Faith is the firm belief in something for which there is no proof. While miracles are the occurrences above nature and above man. I invite you to think with me about faith and miracles.
Opinion
As a person of faith, do you believe in miracles?” Yes! I certainly do believe in miracles, especially when I am an eyewitness to miraculous events, I cannot explain, or the beneficiary of an extraordinary healing from a major illness for which I can only explain as a miracle.
So, what exactly is a miracle? A miracle is an act not fully explained in nature but that is attributed to a supernatural force, namely God. There are many definitions of miracles. But Biblically speaking, miracles involve God doing something uncommon and usually awe-inspiring in order to reveal himself to humans. Miracles are inspiring and demonstrate God’s involvement in human history, revealing his character and purposes to us.
Four kinds of miracles
Miracles can be divided into four groups. There are examples in Holy Scripture. First, there are healing miracles that cure physical impairments and illnesses. Second, there are exorcisms where demons and unclean spirits are cast out. Third, there are natural miracles such as calming storms, walking on water and feeding multitudes. And finally, there are restoration miracles that involve raising the dead. Although some modern-day folks have labeled themselves as Miracle Workers and claim to have powers to perform many of the miracles listed above, I maintain that miracles are unexplained and come from a power far above humans.
When I was diagnosed with colon cancer three-and-a-half years ago, I had every reason to pray for and expect a miracle from God for my physical healing. My gastro doctor and colon surgeon gave me their best medical advice. One was to undergo a radical ileostomy or do nothing at all, meaning that I could opt not to have surgery and pray for a miracle. Even though I believe in miracles, and I do pray, I did not wait for supernatural healing. Instead, I opted for the surgery and yes, a miracle occurred. I am alive and thriving due to two skillful physicians and a belief in God, that my miracle healing would come through the wonderful physicians and the surgeon’s scalpel, and it did. Now, it is the miracle of an ostomy that has given me a new lease on life, for which I am forever grateful. The outcome has been miraculous to me as was the raising of Lazarus was to Mary and Martha. I was given life when death was the other option.
Sometimes we use miracles to acknowledge defeat, “this or that would have taken a miracle.” Or confirm our disbelief, “That was a miracle!” Biblical miracles almost always were a result of the people having faith and expecting the impossible. They expected a power above themselves to do what they could not do, and when the impossible happened, they gave thanks to God.
God is revealed through many miracles in the Bible. The first miracle recorded in the Bible was the creation of the universe and earth itself. For believers, the creation story in the Book of Genesis, where God created all that is, seen and unseen, ex nihilo, from nothing. Also, the virgin birth can most certainly be recognized as a miracle. There are many other events recorded in the Bible, that can be called miracles. The closest that the Bible comes to offering an exact definition is Hebrews 11:1, The writer writes, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” From this particular passage we see that the central feature of faith is confidence or trust.
Miracles in the Old Testament also involved nature. For example, God caused a worldwide flood event during the time of Noah. Many of the miracles God showed Pharaoh during Israelite captivity in Egypt involved the manipulation of nature. God caused the Red Sea to part in order that the Israelites could walk through on dry ground. He caused the sun to stand still during the time of Joshua. There are many other examples throughout the Old Testament involving supernatural fire, rain, drought, sickness, death, and healing that can be called miracles.
Jesus’ miracles
Understanding the way God revealed himself through miracles in the Old Testament, it should not come as a surprise that Jesus would also perform miracles. Jesus has been called by many names. One name that sets him apart from many historical figures, is Jesus was also called a miracle worker. He healed the sick, lame, and blind throughout his short ministry on earth. In the same way, the miracles that Jesus performed revealed the power of God. Jesus’ miracles gave God glory and helped people believe that he was the son of God; God incarnate.
Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine during a wedding. He and his mother were attending a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Mary asked Jesus to help, by making more wine, after the wedding host ran out of wine. Jesus turned some large jars of water into wine. This is considered the first miracle of his public ministry, and yet some Christians do not embrace this miracle.
Most notably is the only miracle that appears in all four Gospels is Jesus feeding a crowd of 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus multiplied a few loaves and fishes from a young boy to feed a large crowd. This miracle teaches us to see abundance in what we have, and not become overcome by a need that allows the scarcity of resources to prevent us from living.
The raising of Lazarus from the dead (Luke 11:1-44) was perhaps one of Jesus’ more famous miracles. But the greatest and most important miracle of Jesus’ ministry was his own resurrection from the dead. Jesus had been gone three days after dying on the cross. His disciples were all in mourning for his death. Suddenly, the tomb where Jesus lay was open and his body had disappeared. People wondering “what miracles did Jesus perform,” should know this was the most important. The resurrection of Jesus pointed to God’s power over everything, even death.
God has revealed himself throughout scripture and throughout time with miracles. Miracles point to God’s existence and power. Miracles surprise, shock, and excite us to believe there is more to life than only what is seen and known. They point to a power much greater than man’s mere understanding. Miracles reveal the reality of the living God.
Jesus performed miracles to show compassion and meet human need. Jesus encounters a man with leprosy. Mark 1:41 reads, “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” What stands out to me is that often Jesus’ miracles were not planned or calculated; rather, they were frequently spontaneous, these are the most impactful. When we at the crossroads of God’s love and human suffering.
A final purpose for miracles that I will mention is this: Jesus performed miracles to provide us with a glimpse of the world that is to come. The supernatural acts of Jesus are like a flash of lightening that illuminates a dark night for a few moments, allowing us to see clearly. Just when we think this life is all there is, a miracle happens at the intersection where God’s love and human need meet, and life is changed. Yes, I do believe in miracles!
Rev. Bill Alford is a retired priest who served St. Alban’s Episcopal Church for the last 30 years and who has been priest-in-charge of the Church of the Atonement in Hephzibah for the last three years. Originally from Albany, Ga., Rev. Alford is a Navy Veteran who sings with and who is on the Board of Directors for the Augusta Choral Society.
