WEDNESDAY'S WORD - MIRACLE - SADELL BRADLEY - NEW LIFE COVENANT 2/11/15

A Miracle is a surprising, improbable or extraordinary  and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a Divine agency. The Latin word miraculum means 'object of wonder.'  US Airways Flight 1549 struck of flock of Canada geese during it's climb, lost engine power, and was landed by Capt. Chelsey Sullenburger on the Hudson River near Manhattan with no loss of human life.  It was called the "Miracle on the Hudson." God is in the miracle business...

After Peter and John healed the man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful, Peter proclaimed to the onlookers and then before the tribunal of priests and Sanhedrin, that it was by the power of Jesus, the Messiah, that the man was restored. (Acts 3:16-20,4)  The Greek teras, a wonder or marvel, conveys the idea that a miracle is done to elicit a reaction from onlookers. It leaves an indelible mark on those who experience it, because it brings the power of Heaven to earth. The priests were disturbed by Peter and John's preaching and more importantly, DEMONSTRATING, that Jesus was not just the author of healing, but also of the resurrection of the dead; so they jailed them.

16"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

In the midst of the attention and acrimony that came because they were the ones through whom the miracle as worked; Peter and John never lost sight of Who the real miracle-worker was. They were not deterred by their enemies, but sought the Lord to continue to astonish many with His mighty power in Jesus' name so that droves of people would believe.  (Acts 4:29-31)

29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Part of the Great Commission is that signs, miracles and wonders would follow believers (Mark 16:17-8), not so that everyone can know how anointed or powerful we are, but so that those who do not yet know Jesus Christ will believe that He is Lord and King.  We should pray for, expect and participate in miracles: healing, financial, restoration, etc.  Lord, show Your power through us!!!