Signs and Wonders

by Matt

Yesterday evening, the lecturer began the class by saying: “I have a theory and I think I am right.” Referring to the personal life of every believer, he presented a controversial statement which goes something like this: “The more you know God and the longer you walk with Him, the less miracles you will see and the less visions you will have.”

Then he begins to illustrate his point by making him and his wife as an example. Like 20 years ago when they were just married, he would need to ask his wife about her preferences, “do you want this with this or do you want that with that?” But now he does not need to do that anymore, and his wife at the same time expects him not to ask such questions. Then he began to draw the parallel by saying: “The more you know the person, the more he does not need to tell you.”

“The more you know God and the longer you walk with Him, the less miracles you will see and the less visions you will have” – because 1) All that we need to know were already revealed in the Scriptures; and 2) Our faith in God should have grown stronger. Therefore miracles (eg. Divine Healing), prophecies and visions are not indications that the person who “did” them is super holy; in fact, signs and wonders are indications that we are so weak in our faith. ‘Confirmations’ when sought after, are indications that we are so dumb and thick in our skulls that we do not trust God as much yet. But God by His grace gives us that word of prophecy and that confirmation we are seeking; and sometimes, that miracle, to affirm us that God is moving through us.

This concept is in direct contrast to that of the secular world. For example, Taoist priests get exalted whenever miracles happen and people flock to them because they think certain individuals are more powerful than others. But things are the opposite when it comes to Christianity. In Christianity, miracles happen because God is gracious. It actually shows how desperate we are. If we do not need a miracle why would God do it? For example, why did God had to part the Red Sea? (because there was no way out, His people were stuck). God loves us so much that He would part the waters just for us.

This means that God can work through anybody. We should be wary not to bring secular concepts into Christianity. Taking example from the book of Judges (eg. Samson):

Just because God used them doesn’t mean they are infallible.
Just because God used them doesn’t mean they are supermen or superwomen.
Just because God used them doesn’t mean they earned it.
Just because God used them doesn’t mean they are somehow very special.
Just because God used them doesn’t mean God approves of everything they do.

But. Every single miracle that happened could be observed to be for the benefit of God’s people and for God’s own glory.

This means for you and me that we do not need to be perfect in order for God to use us. God uses imperfect people. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. In the end it is not how many miracles we have done, but what God looks for is character. It is not about the signs and wonders people do, but it is who we are – are we following God? Are we being faithful to what he wants us to do?

Therefore do not be too easily impressed with big happenings and big churches. But carry on working faithfully for God even in the smallest of ways.

“The more you know God, the more God would seem to reveal Himself to you normally.”
- Dr. Simon Chan, Spiritual Theology