power as portrayed in popular movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The power and magic of the commandments lie in the way they open up
a channel for the Lord’s love to flow into our lives. When we make a covenant
to follow the Lord’s commands, then He flows into us with good intentions
and true thoughts. That is how He teaches and leads and that is how He works
miracles.
Jesus’ disciples were amazed at His miracles but He told them: “Most
assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do
also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father.” (John
14:12)
Jesus controlled the weather and raised the dead, yet He is telling us that
if we believe in Him we can do greater works? Many have imitated Christ and
tried to work miracles but they never seem to be “greater” than the ones Jesus
did. I see “miracle workers” performing at conferences and revivals, on the
street and on television, usually starting with people who are basically healthy
and convincing them that after prayer of laying on of hands they actually feel
better. I have never seen them do miracles greater than what Jesus did.
We can do greater works but greater does not mean more impressive
outward signs. The miracles that Jesus did were physical acts that symbolized
spiritual ones. Giving sight to a blind person helps him or her to have a happier,
more useful life to eternity. Helen Keller said that worse than being born blind
would be being able to see but not having vision.
Jesus fed 5,000 with a few loaves and fishes, and they were satisfied for
a day and then became hungry again. The miracle that the Lord asks us to
participate in today is to share the Lord’s love for all people. This is a greater
work because it feeds people for much more than a day. It feeds people’s souls
with the bread of heaven that gives eternal life.
The gift of inspiration is that the Lord is working on us from the inside.
He is always working on us from the inside and the outside at the same time,
leading our feelings and intentions, and enlightening our understanding so
that we can see Him mentally, feel Him in our hearts, and experience the
miracle of a new heart and a new spirit. Amen.
The Rev. John L. Odhner is assistant to the pastor of the Bryn Athyn
Church, teaches in the Bryn Athyn Church School, works on the
Office of Outreach Internet Project, and is one the directors of the
Stephen Ministry Program. He has served as a pastor in Florida and
California, and was a key person in revising the General Church
Liturgy. He lives in Bryn Athyn with his wife, Lori (Soneson), and
their family. Contact: [email protected]
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