The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Acts 5:12
This is not the first time we see miraculous signs and wonders in Acts. It's important to notice the word "signs". What is happening here is meant to point to something bigger than the miracle itself. It all points to Jesus.
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns and around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. Acts 5:13-16
The Church is growing rapidly and many miraculous things are happening. The apostles end up being arrested for continuing to teach about Jesus. Then a miracle happens. And angel comes and walks them right out of prison. When the prison guard comes to get them for trial, they are gone. They find them again preaching in the same place about Jesus. They were not intimidated or slowed down. The angel instructed them to go right back and continue. And they do.
Now they are seeing amazing miracles. A miracle by definition is a divine action that transcends the ordinary course of nature and so generates awe.
DISCUSSION:
- What do you think of when you hear the word "miracle"?
- Have you experienced what you would call a true miracle in your life?
-Do you believe we still see miracles today?
Many people get stuck here, because they think that science and miracles cannot exist at the same time. However, the same God who created it all is still able to enter our world and our personal stories and do whatever He wants to do.
DISCUSSION:
- What keeps us from praying for straight up miracles? For healing, guidance, comfort, peace, reconciliation.....
Remember that everything points back to Jesus. Sometimes we do see Jesus perform miracles. Sometimes the answer doesn't come just as we prayed it would. The important thing is that we keep worshipping Jesus. We keep trusting Him and trusting that He knows what is best for us and what will bring glory to His name. We cling to what he has promised. He promised to always be with us. We do not face anything alone. He promises that He is at work even during those heart breaking moment. He promises that eternity gets the last word. He promises peace and courage no matter what we are facing.
The apostle Paul asked three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed. The answer was no. But the promise he was given is that God's grace would be sufficient and that His power is made perfect in weakness. (Romans 12:9)
DISCUSSION:
- What miracle are you believing God for?
- In that miracle or even as you wait, how can you point to Jesus in a world that is desperate to know Him?