Signs and wonders
by Maria Rudolph
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that”’ (John 1:50).
What do you think about signs and wonders? Do you think they only happened in biblical times, and are you a bit suspicious when people talk about experiencing a miracle in modern days? Have you seen a healing with your own eyes or had a vision from God? Or are you just not sure what to make of it?
Nathanael in our reading today belongs to the doubting sort – unlike Philip, who quickly followed Jesus and excitedly shared the news about him with his mate. But when Jesus told Nathanael something he couldn’t have known because he wasn’t physically present (‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree’), his doubts quickly turned to belief in Jesus, too. Nathanael was convinced by Jesus’ supernatural power.
Miraculous signs and wonders happen at certain times and places to bring glory to God and to point to Jesus. They are not there so we can build our faith on them, but so we can be strengthened in our faith in God.
God works differently in the life of every believer. Yet all of us witness signs and wonders from God in our time as Christians. We see the miracle of faith developing in a person through the Holy Spirit, and as their life is changed by encountering God. We can see the difference that trust in God makes in the life of people as they practise forgiveness, grace and love toward others. You might have even witnessed a supernatural healing or another sort of miracle in the name of Jesus, as Nathanael did.
Jesus also said to Nathanael, ‘You shall see greater things than that’ (John 1:50). Indeed, Nathanael did witness Jesus healing many people and driving out demons. And yet, when we see Jesus working in the lives of others and in our own lives, we are beyond blessed. Walk through your day with your eyes open, and take note of the small and big miracles God works right in front of your nose!
Loving God, open my eyes to the small and great miracles you work around me. Give me a heart of faith and remove my doubts when I question your ability to work miracles. Not my will, but yours be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.