(Matthew 27:50-53 NIV) And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
This was a great day of miracles.
God has never stopped wanting to do miracles.
(John 14:12-14 NIV) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Easter is not a day to be remembered, but a day that is to be experienced.
The best way to celebrate Easter is to not remember THE miracle that happened 2000 years ago but to experience that miracle and others today!
(Ephesians 1:19-20 TLB) I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven,
(Romans 8:11 NLT) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal (situation) bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
(Philippians 3:10a GNB) All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection…
Many of us are facing things that only a miracle will do.
Some myths that keep us from receiving a miracle:
- Some think God is disinterested.
God cares for every detail of your life.
(Matthew 10:29-31 NLT) What is the price of two sparrows–one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
- Some think God is deaf.
(Psalms 34:17 NLT) The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
- Some think God is dead.
Some think God does not exist or if He does that part of Him has died.
(Malachi 3:6a NLT) “I am the LORD, and I do not change…
(Hebrews 13:8 NLT) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Here is some advice that will move you towards God’s life-giving, miracle-working power:
- Open up to God’s power.
(Ephesians 4:18b TLB) …they are far away from the life (power) of God because they have shut their minds against him, and they cannot understand his ways.
Some look at God as a last resort. “We need to pray… well, has it come to that?”
- Do whatever He tells you.
Sometimes God is going to ask you to do something that you may not understand. We, however limit Him to what we can contain in our brain. God is much bigger than that.
God is much smarter than you and me!
What if I pray for someone and nothing happens? Were you going to take the credit if it did happen? Well, then it is not your responsibility if it doesn’t. Our responsibility is to obey and pray.
(John 2:1-5 NIV) On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Unlike our culture, in Jewish culture is was all about the wedding reception that lasted seven days. Here it is the third day and they are out of refreshments.
Jesus did not do this miracle the way that you would think He would.
- Have faith in God.
(Mark 9:22-23 NIV) “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
(Luke 18:27 NIV) Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
The more times you sit in a chair, the more confident you will be that the chair will hold you.
Our confidence in God comes from our relationship with Him. The more you get to know Him, the closer you get to someone, the more confidence you will have in them.
Summary:
Open up, don’t filter – obey, and get close.
The greatest miracle of has to do with your closeness with God.
(Luke 10:17-20 NIV) The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
The real miracle is that you living forever is the greatest miracle.
Some need two miracles today. The first being your relationship with God and the second is the situation that you might be facing.