Doing Great Things

Acts 5:12-16 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.
 
IN the Bible’s history, God gives us a quite remarkable pattern of performing many miracles, signs and wonders for his people. As the time of the Law began in Exodus, Moses performed great signs and wonders. As the great era of the prophets began, Elijah and Elisha worked great miracles in Israel. Then as the gospel age began, the apostles received this magnificent gift to heal what seems to be thousands of people. Note the people had such faith in the Spirit’s healing, Peter’s shadow was enough to heal. Jesus had told the apostles they would have this abundant miraculous ministry. John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” And in John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. The miracles served three purposes:
   1) Miracles show compassion and meet human need. Sin oppresses humanity. Trouble in our own lives or among our loved ones easily flood our minds. Hopelessness can reign. But our compassionate God reminds us he is with us. Through his Word and testimonies today of people restored to health, prosperity and life, we know he is our personal compassionate King, who loves his domain.
   2) Miracles confirm God’s credentials as the Lord of heaven and earth. The two reasons for the miracles in Egypt were to tell Egypt he is Lord over his people. And the miracles also told Israel he is Lord over them. Jesus’ miracles then affirmed his Sovereign authority over all life. Jesus’ resurrection is the linchpin to his authenticity as God’s Son. We know he is alive. We can faithfully follow him into heaven.
   3) Miracles convey spiritual truth. As the prophets healed they pointed to God as the great Provider. When Jesus healed he equated the body’s restoration with the forgiveness of sins. (Mark 2:5) Healing a body affirms that God has the power to save our souls.
  Amid this report of the apostles work is what seems to be a separate observation: No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. It seems that only those truly committed to Jesus were willing to join the church. God’s very personal power intervention into Jerusalem had struck a fear into the hearts of unbelieving or casual observers. When people decide to join a church, they must know God requires complete commitment.  
   A healed body is temporary. A healed soul is eternal. Physical healing is God’s magnificent compassion to call his broken people home.