Miracles in a book

In his disciples’ presence Jesus performed many other miracles which are not written down in this book. But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life.  (verses 30,31)

Read John 20: 19-31

I think I would have preferred to see the actual miracles. It would have been something to watch Jesus walk on water. Or be there when the water turned into wine. Or see the joy on the faces of lame people who walked and dumb people who spoke. Or listen to the storm suddenly go quiet. Or witness a dead little girl come back to life.

Then there’s the greatest miracle of all: the agony of Jesus’ suffering and death transformed into the ecstasy of his return to life. How inspirational it would have been actually to be there.

If I had seen these things with my own eyes, how much easier it would be to believe in him.

Instead, I am left with a book, and miracles in a book. The thing I find puzzling is that, as I read that book, I somehow get caught up in its stories and wonders. And another miracle happens. I find I do believe! Crazy, isn’t it?

No, wonderful!

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the miracle of the Word, made living flesh for me. Amen.

by Bob Kempe, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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