MEMORISE:
And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. John 6:2
READ: Matthew 19:1-2
1And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
MESSAGE
All through the gospels, we see that great multitudes followed Jesus wherever He went. One reason for this is the great miracles He performed in people’s lives. We see an example of this in today’s Bible reading, where great multitudes followed Him and He healed them. Jesus is still in the business of healing and performing miracles today. Those who teach that the days of miracle are over are wrong. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is risen from the dead and remains alive today and forevermore (Revelation 1:18). That same Jesus who healed the sick, raised the dead and cleansed lepers can do the same works today because He is alive, working His miracles through His followers. The signs that the Lord said will follow those who believe indicate that the days of miracles are not over (Mark 16:15-18). Moreover, our Lord also said that we will do the works that He did and even do greater works than His (John 14:12). Some argue that these miraculous works ended with the early apostles of Jesus Christ. This is equally wrong, because while giving us the mandate of the Great Commission, our Lord said in Matthew 28:20:
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
If He is with us today as He was with the apostles, then He will also do through us the works He did through them.
Nevertheless, as we proclaim the message of the good news, we must not be lopsided in our preaching or indulge in preaching half-truths. The totality of God’s word must be preached to all. Our Lord Jesus Christ was not imbalance in His teachings on the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, some preachers today tend to be like the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ days by focusing on some aspects of Christ’s messages to the detriment of others. Such preachers should take heed take heed to Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:23, which says:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
Jesus Christ is here saying, “I do not condemn you for teaching on tithing the tiniest income, but you left out some things that are more important, which you ought to do in addition to what you are doing already.” Brethren, how do we show people the reality of Jesus’ resurrection without manifesting His miracles? Even the most ardent critic cannot argue against physical proof of God’s power (John 4:48, Acts 1:3). When your local assembly becomes a miracle center, you will need little or no publicity before people begin to troop in to discover the Jesus whom you preach. Are signs and wonders following your declaration of the gospel?
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please establish Your word in my mouth with signs, wonders and miracles.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicle 23-25 Revelation 5:1-6:2
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 17: HOLD THE FORT.
1. Ho, my comrades, see the signal, waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.
o Refrain:
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
2. See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!
3. See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph over every foe.
4. Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!
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