Miracles

I am still thinking about Mark 5 this morning.  Because I think there is a theological myth that exists in matters of faith and the idea of Miracles.  And why these two, somewhat allusive, concepts do, or don’t, go together.

The questions might clearly be today: Who gets a miracle and who doesn’t?  And why?  Or, How much faith does it take to get a miracle?  Or, referring to Mark 5, how come some die or get healed and others don’t?

There is a confusion/controversy as to some unwritten standard, or rule, or measurement when it come to faith — “worthiness” — of an individual.  That is, whether or not someone has “enough faith?”  Is big enough, or solid enough or not?

Some would have us believe that, in order for a miracle to occur, you have to have a certain level — a certain degree — of faith.  And they use biblical passages, like this one, to back up their thinking.  

The problem I have with that kind of theology is that it puts all the power within the individual; rather than in God.

The facts are we are not told, in this passage, of any measurement of faith in the woman or the Synagogue leader.  Jesus did not say to the woman because of your strong faith you have been make well.  He said "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”  And to Jarius Jesus didn’t say you need more faith.  He just told him "Do not fear, only believe.”

No measurement is stated.

Miracles don’t come from us.  Nor do they happen because of us.  Miracles come from God.  Period!  We are not peeve to God’s reasoning.  And we cannot use our logic to prove or disprove the event.

And yes, I do think faith does enter into the equation.  Because faith, very much, has to do with God’s activity in our lives.  Faith as tiny as a seed, thats all.  God is the only authority. 

As my mother use to say:  “God only knows!”

Let me back up here, and bring these two stories into right now.  If we were the woman, who had been bleeding for twelve year.  And we thought there was, even a tiny, hope that Jesus/God could help us.   Wouldn’t we reach out with our hands stretched toward Jesus to get help for our condition?  Wouldn’t we take the chance just to see?  If for no other reason?

I am thinking that anyone  would go to Jesus/God for help if we ourselves, or a love one, were at the point of death.   

I say that because the one time people call on God, even if they don’t think about God most of the time, is in times when nothing else seems to work.  

It is true!  I see it happen all the time.  Well, most of the time(;

And, sometimes the miracle we pray for happens.  And, sometimes it doesn’t.  Doesn't.  At lease, as far as we can see that is.

Maybe the miracle isn’t what we think we want.  Maybe the miracle, according to God, is death.  Death in the flesh to the relief of resurrection — of something better — a more peaceful offering. 

In my limited opinion, I think what is more to the point in these particular stories has to do with the context and setting of these events.  I say that, because what was important then, when Jesus time was limited. Was that people know.  That people know -- believed -- that Jesus  was who he said he was: the living, breathing, touching embodiment of God.  

It was important that they saw, in Jesus, the powerful presence of  The Creator God walking and talking and saving on earth among people.  

All the event recorded, all the miracles that happened, happened so that people would believe in the activity of God in their lives right here on earth.

Here is the basis of my opinion:

One:  The answer Jesus gave to John The Baptist’s disciples when they came to question him as to whether he was “The One.”  

He told them: “Go and tell John what you see and hear.  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead return to life and the poor have good news proclaimed to them.(Matt. 11:4ff) 

Jesus was claiming his identity from all the prediction of the Old Testament stories and prophets.  He did this so that people would believe he was “The One” they had waited so long for.   “The One” who would come to right wrongs, adjust attitudes, heal the sick and free the oppressed.

Two: He wanted them to know that he was “The One” that the Prophet Isaiah wrote about: 

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me.  Because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed; to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim the liberty to the captive and to release prisoners  To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort those who mourn. (Isaiah 61:1ff) 

Here Jesus was establishing those truths, predictions and more.  As he moved among the Jews who found it difficult to believe the un-believealbe-ness of Jesus' words, actions and claims.  

Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.  He told his followers.  For I tell you; many prophets and kings desired to see what you see; but did not see it.  Many prophets and kings desired to hear what you are hearing; but did not hear it. Luke 10:23-24)  

We are told that the work of miracles, in those days, were apart of the intended proclamation of the Kingdom of God.  They were designed to awaken people’s misunderstanding.  To help them to adjust their thinking, and their way of living, and their understanding of God’s character.  

The interesting thing about miracles is, it seem clear, they are not something that is done or something that happens just to happen.  Nor do they happen to please someone’s desires.  But only to further the Kingdom of God. 

It was certainly true in Jesus’ day.  And I think it is still true today.

Once in a great while something quite extraordinary happens.  Something done by God to capture our attention.  

Maybe make us think.  

Possibly to convert a skeptic.

And with it, the Kingdom of God moves forward.

It has been happening of centuries.

It is happening still today.