A WORD OR A MIRACLE?

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things…. After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret, and they brought the boat to shore and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, They ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

Mark 6:34, 55-56 NLT

O, how we love miracles! Crowds flock to “healing campaigns” at the invitation, “Come and get your miracle.” When things go wrong in our lives, we plead with God for a miracle. We crave lives that are uninterruptedly smooth and blessed, kept calm and peaceful by God’s intervening miracles.

We whine, “Why me?” when obstacles and struggles confront us. We want God to restore order and calm in our lives so that we can jog along on our comfortable, trouble-free journey.

So, we beg for a miracle!

The people were so excited about being miraculously fed that they ran after Jesus for more.  However, He had something to say to those who treated Him like a miracle-dispensing machine.

“So, when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

John 6:24-27 NLT

The crowd wanted more bread while Jesus came to give them the bread of life.

“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35 NLT

How like the crowds we are. We crave bread to keep us alive. Jesus offers us “the Bread of Life” so that we will live forever.

“During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:3-4 NLT

How do we receive God’s intervention in time of need? Don’t ask for a miracle. Ask for a word. A miracle is open-ended. It may or may not happen. God’s Word is infallible. What He promises, He will do, no matter how long it takes. Miracles may solve a temporary crisis but God’s Word wil live in our hearts forever.

PRAYER

Father God, forgive me for seeking your hand for miracles more than for seeking your face for fellowship. You desire worshippers who worship you in spirit and in truth, not parasites who cling to you for blessings.

Help me, Lord Jesus, to gaze on your face, to contemplate the beauty of your life on earth. I see the Father in you. The more I think about you and your perfection, the less I think about myself and my imperfection.

You are everything I need and want to transform my life and take me to the Father. Teach me, Lord, to live by your word because your word feeds my hungry soul and lights my way to the Father.