I am reading the advance reader copy of Brian McLaren's new book, "The Secret Message of Jesus". (click on this title to see his interesting web site) In it he give some pretty amazing insights into the miracles of Jesus. He says basically (and far more eloquently) that the miracles of Jesus were a clear indication that the kingdom of heaven was among us. That the King of this Kingdom stopped along the way to heal the blind, open deaf ears, give life to the dead. Kings in Jesus day were like Herod (a puppet king, completely shut out from the reality of his own people) or like Caeser who in there god-like status were far away and relied on a heavy handed army to ensure that his Kingdom was full on about power over the weak. They were not interested in sharing their resources with the common man. They did not find a widow's story compelling or a soldiers request a call for action. He paints a picture of Jesus stopping along the way...having his attention drawn to a mans plea or a womans faith. Basically...he says, miracles are proof that the Kingdom of God is here!
This past week we saw it. I mean not just a few...so many I am sure we will miss a few.
A man had his heart literally explode inside of him. The phone rang during our small group and we were called to the church to pray because the doctors had told the family they didn't know what to do and the man's chest was filling with blood.
The prayer meeting was somber but sincere and news came that he had been moved to the University Hospital and they were going to do surgery. It turns out that the second most famous heart surgeon in North America took on the project. The man is still in intensive care, but he is expected to pull through. His weary wife was in church this morning...she wanted to be there to say thankyou. Cynics may have a lot to say...but the faithful are simply asked to believe.
A mom and dad who have a little guy with down's syndrome stopped by our house with their little guy and bouquet of flowers. Peggy works with him three days a week...and the Mom and Dad wanted to say that this week there little boy had done so many remarkable new things that they wanted to celebrate with Peg. Some might say there is nothing miraculous about that...but I am sure if you asked his parents...they would say it is a miracle...actually when we spend time with there blonde boy...we realise he is a miracle. If you want to see him in action...follow this link and watch the "Miracle Movie"... http://devonsurprise.tripod.com/
Oh and I asked for some help, followed some advice, changed the filter on the furnace, switched it off...switched it on and it came back to life...when I ask for help, when broken things get fixed in my house...(I know it seems insignificant)...to me it is a first class miracle.
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