Wonder of God

The psalmist Asaph reflects upon the wonderful works of God in Psalm 77 with these words, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples." Whether in days of trouble, which was the context of that psalm, or in days of victorious transformation, one can be continuously encouraged and strengthened by remembering how God works in the lives of His people.

Likewise, our passage for this week sheds light on the life of a man and those around him who bought into the deception and counterfeit power of man, but were nevertheless eventually transformed in mind and heart by the sheer power of God in Jesus Christ. Simon was utterly convinced and convicted by the gospel. But it wasn't merely through a single message preached by Philip, but rather a host of experiences that strengthened and substantiated the gospel. 

We read at the end of verse Acts 8:13, "And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed." Those who lived in the days of the apostles were privy to seeing the power of God on full display through miraculous physical healings, unexplainable, supernatural feats that could only be attributed to something, or someone, who transcends the natural world. These signs and great miracles were in fact supernatural indications of the miraculous power of God that began with the incarnation of Christ, and continued after his resurrection and ascension to the Father as verification and validation of who Jesus of Nazareth was and what he accomplished through his death, burial, and resurrection (John 20:30-31).

There is debate as to whether those signs and great miracles continue today, in light of the completion of Holy Scripture. And while those discussions are interesting and beneficial to have as the Christian develops a fuller understanding of the whole counsel of God's word, I think its safe to say that God still provides signs and great miracles by which we can still be amazed. 

Financial provision in a time of great need.…the healing of physical ailments that confound modern medical knowledge….the restoration and reconciliation of broken relationships….the growing of life in a mother's womb…..and the greatest miracle of all - the salvation of a soul. We may have never seen a paraplegic get up and walk (or maybe we have), but we are nonetheless surrounded by daily reminders that God is still in the business of providing signs and great miracles to show off His majesty for our good and His glory.

This is what Christmas and the Advent season are all about. And although Christmas is over for this year, we do not lose hope in our commitment to wait well and prepare for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. So in the meantime, let's not grow cold to daily "miracles" that abound. Let's not be so distracted by and consumed with the things of this world that we forget to recognize the signs that God is offering us to remind that He is still with us, and that we will one day be united with His Son in everlasting life! 

And to that, all of God's people say, "AMEN!"