Comments, Thoughts and Trivia
Where Is God?
2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous
times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers
of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than
lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And
from such people turn away!
NKJV
The nation rejoiced over the
past weekend as the nine miners trapped in Pennsylvania were rescued.
It was, truly, a miracle that all nine escaped the potential disaster
without serious injury. Last night (7/30/2002) one of the television networks
interviewed all nine miners. During the course of the discussion, it became
clear that many of them prayed. This was openly shared with the television
audience, as was their view of the existence of a “higher power,”
“God.”
Unfortunately, the moment was lost for discovering faith in Christ and the purpose of the miracle.
While I did not take notes, one miner talked of his prayer and another talked of the help given him in his faith. Then, the miner stated that he believed “all good people” went to heaven. This statement comes from a man who openly prays and encourages others to do the same.
One of the pointed questions asked by the reporter could be translated as “Why?” Was there a reason for the miracle?
Of course there was – both in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the miners. The trouble is that the reasons were not the same.
Paul writes in Romans that 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse(Romans 1:18-19 NKJV). The miners saw this manifestation in the events of their rescue. They openly recognized the existence of God. Yet, they failed to understand the point of the miracle.
To the miners, the reason they were rescued was so they “could stay together.” No equated their rescue with God giving them an opportunity for salvation. None acknowledged the work of God in their rescue pointing to Jesus. Yet, Jesus tells us the miracles of life are the works of God that point to the Son.
Read, for example, John 5. Consider these couple of quotes, then read them in their full context. Remember, Jesus has just healed the lame man at the pool.
17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."
19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.
24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish--the very works that I do--bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.
The miracles, all miracles, occur through the power and sovereignty of God. The purpose of the miracles is to point people to a belief in Jesus. This is the entire basis of John’s gospel –
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)
These miners were right there at the door – they just failed to open it and allow Jesus to find them. Don’t let this happen to you. Understand that Jesus is God and one must establish a personal relationship with Him BY FAITH. Not all good people go to heaven. But, a lot of sinners will be in heaven because they repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)
We should always be looking for God’s hand in the events of our lives, whether we are in deep trouble, like these miners, or are performing the routines of the day. Jesus is always there, trying to bring us into a closer relationship with Him.
For more on establishing a relationship with Jesus go here.
All Scripture taken from the NKJV
