Jul 27, 2014
Born-Again Miracles
7-28-14
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, darkly….” (I Cor. 13: 11, NKJV) Although I came to belief in Christianity as inextricably related to Holy-Spirit Christianity as an adult, I can still put myself in this scenario.
But it has become evident to me that portions of the church have corrupted Biblical doctrines, or exaggerated them, even violated them. Can I put it this way? – some preachers, today, have actually made that glass darker, not clearer, for believers.
I have to come to see that God’s power is mightier than the misinterpreted promises shared by some preachers. His miracles are more profound than those recounted by television preachers. His mysteries are more intense AS mysteries, than theologies that explain God as a spiritual butler on hand when we have desires.
I am talking about healing, and abundance, as in the “prosperity gospel” we hear preached.
“By His stripes we are healed.” Some people preach that Christ’s suffering and death, by this verse, means that healing is ours, and we only have to claim it. That physical ailments, when not healed, indicate that our faith must be weak. Yet I have noticed that the most prominent “claim it” preachers wear glasses. Is this their choice – a fashion statement?
My wife had diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, celiac disease, amputated toes, a heart transplant, a kidney transplant, dialysis, and other health problems. Yet her faith was secure, and she was a mighty witness. She was miraculously healed of a cancerous thyroid, yet underwent a heart transplant despite prayers to be spared. She believed she received emotional and spiritual healing, and accepted God’s sovereignty. By Jesus’ stripes, not an evangelist’s, she was healed.
I believe that verse means that when we are healed, it is BECAUSE of Jesus’s “stripes,” that He ordains healing, guides the hands of doctors and nurses… and deserves the glory when healing does come. Spiritual priorities.
Likewise the verse “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). That’s King James; other translations say “… Christ who strengthens me.” Words are important. “Claim it” preachers will say that God clearly gives us the power that Jesus had… to move mountains , for instance. Yet we do not see mountains moving. “Yes, but ALL things…”
First, we can sense metaphors more than hyperbole in this verse. Spiritual roadblocks, or spiritual mountains, we all have them. But my new understanding of that verse hinges on the emphasis of certain words. Can we not think that we possibly are being taught – return to the King James translation – that whatever we do, we should determine to do in, and through, Christ (to stay in God’s will); and that fact will strengthen us?
Yes, to answer my own question. I can touch on the prosperity gospel, and I remember how one preacher actually printed a chart – how much you would donate to his ministry, and (by the “hundredfold return” of Mark 10:31) how much money you could expect to receive, probably by miraculous surprises, in return. That, and “have life, and that more abundantly,” was answered by my wife with the realization that God can bless us in uncountable ways. If we define Him by cash we are sorry examples of Christ-followers.
Yes, God is a miracle-working God. Yes, we need miracles in our lives, often. But I would suggest that, even in our brokenness and desperation, we chase after miracles, and healing, and prosperity – even just subsistence – when we should be more passionate about chasing after and pleasing God, doing His will, and being obedient.
By the way, concerning miracles: I have seen some that people classify by that term, for instance a withered leg being made whole at a service. But, personally, the greatest miracle I have witnessed is the experience of my sinful life being forgiven, my heart turned from rebellion. I know what a miracle that was.
We will understand it all better farther on, but in the meantime the Holy Spirit can lead us, better than evangelists, in the ways of God: that is why He was sent, and why He dwells in our hearts.
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An ancient American hymn, a frontier hymn whose writer and composer are lost to history, is “It Is Better Farther On,” also known by its incipit, “As We Travel Through the Desert,” first appearing in a hymnal in 1877. (Not to be confused with the standard, “Farther Along.”) It speaks of the proper priorities of life’s journey, meeting our challenges, and trusting the Savior’s leading, as well as our destiny. “Oh my brother, are you weary Of the roughness of the way? Does your strength begin to fail you, And your vigor to decay? Jesus, Jesus will go with you, He will lead you to the throne, He who dyed His garments for you, And the winepress trod alone.” Here it is sung by the Zahasky Family, the Alaska String Band.
Click: Farther On
Thanks, Rick.
Always took that to mean, after pouring out my heart to God, I would be content with his peace while enduring (“do”) regardless of what I had or didn’t have.
Often I find “claimable” promises to be simple, low-profile, but profound. For example: I will never leave you; the Holy Spirit helps me; in Christ I am acceptable, etc.
Holding these close to my heart comforts me while God’s grace sustains me.
As always, I pray for you.
Mark
Nicely handled, Rick.
We are to seek the Giver not the gift. We are all healed…some on this earth; some in heaven. And if prayer and prosperity went hand and hand, folks would be flocking to the church instead of the casinos or lottery establishments.
Christianity continues to sport a “black eye” when those who claim to be His Sheep are far from the Shepherd. It is difficult to explain to “outsiders” and somewhat redundant to keep saying, “Don’t look at us/them, look at Jesus.”
God help us all to be careful of what we say and how we say it, especially on FB where it can have far reaching influences.
Well said. And this would eliminate a lot of false guilt Christians suffer when they are not healed (in the way they see healing). I’ve definitely been down that road.
His mysteries are more intense AS mysteries, than theologies that explain God as a spiritual butler on hand when we have desires. So freeing to say, “There are just some things we won’t understand until we get to heaven. And maybe not even then.” For in saying so, we are trusting in God rather than leaning not on our own understanding. We free ourselves from thinking we have to justify that which we don’t understand. And we walk in abundance and joy, knowing that God is able to make all grace abound, so that in all things, in all ways, having all that we need, we will abound in every good work (2 Co. 9:8). God’s work, that is.
Wise words, Rick. Thank You. Father, help Your people to grow up into the fullness of our salvation and a solid understanding of Your Word.
Sitting here reading this in the quietness of the early morning is like a healing balm. Being reminded that my life is inHis hands. Miracles from my perspective are going about me continually, whether a healing or answer to prayer is part of it,doesn’t dumb-down God working in my life. I rest in his love for me knowing He has it all under control. The past few days as I attended Lifeway’s “U Lead” conference, I was constantly aware and amazed of his orchestrating every minute thru the songs, the speakers and the “chance ” meetings” of sisters in The Lord! Just keeping on following Him, one foot in front of the other is my miracle for today. Thanks Rick, for your clear teaching to go deeper with him where we are,
So here’s the scenario…I print our your column every Monday to read at home. Somehow this one from July ended up under a bunch of papers and was only recently discovered. So I read it this morning. Considering all the health challenges I’m encountering, I would say it was divine appointment.
Your approach is what Stacy and I purposed to live out when all this started in January – and sometimes we have and sometimes we haven’t. So it’s always good to get these pointed reminders…
Mike, thank you for these words. This was not easy to write — actually it was easy to write, after a few decades of experiences first logged. I know the paths you are treading, and your family’s too. Very well. I will PM you about your latest update. Blessings — and healing — prayed for you, and for Stacy. Be God’s. — Rick