2001-4-8 22:00:00
One of the prime causes of religionists setting Jesus apart from us as a God in a different category from ourselves is the fact that he did so many great miracles that the average man or woman has not experienced in the present time. Therefore the fifth point to cover is the fact that even though miracles may not be common day occurrences that many have indeed been performed by people other than Jesus using the same principles.
Many have indeed been justly impressed by the miracles that Jesus performed. In his day it convinced many that Jesus was either the Son of God or God. Even today the miracles accredited to him carry much weight in convincing Christians that Jesus was God incarnate.
As great as Jesus was he said that the Father was greater than himself and "The Son can do NOTHING OF HIMSELF, but what he seeth the Father do [...] I can of mine own self do nothing [...] I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:19 & 30)
Just before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead he acknowledged his dependence on the Father: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me." (John 11:41) After saying this he raised Lazarus to life.
He also acknowledged: "The Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them...." (John 5:21) Interestingly, this was spoken in the present tense before the resurrection of Jesus.
We see from these and other scriptures that Jesus was just as dependent on a power greater than himself as ordinary men and women are dependent on powers greater than themselves to perform miracles: "I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doth the works." (John 14:10)
If a person believes that Jesus is God because of the miracles he performed that is all the more reason to believe that man can become as much of a god as Jesus was for he said: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS THAN THESE SHALL HE DO; because I go to my Father." (John 14:12) Again, Jesus gives the Father credit for miracles even that were performed by his disciples.
There are many examples of miracles performed by servants of God other than Jesus. Moses is perhaps the prime example. He brought plague after plague and even parted the Red Sea, brought and cured leprosy, and caused water to gush forth from a stone. The Spirit was so strong in Peter that the sick were brought into the streets hoping that his shadow would pass by them and heal them. Numerous miracles were performed by the disciples of Jesus. None of them claimed to have done it on their own power, but through one higher that was with them just as Jesus did.
Among the early Mormons there were also many miracles performed. The following is an interesting episode in the life of Joseph Smith where many were stricken will illness when settling in the swamp infested Nauvoo:
"Many lay sick along the bank of the river, and Joseph (Smith) walked alone up to the lower stone house, occupied by Sidney Rigdon, and he healed all the sick that lay in his path. Among that number was Henry G. Sherwood, who was nigh unto death. Joseph stood in the mouth of his tent and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and come out of his tent, and he obeyed him and was healed. Brother Benjamin Brown and his family also lay sick, the former appearing to be in a dying condition. Joseph healed them in the name of the Lord. After healing all that lay sick upon the bank of the river as far as the stone house, he called upon Elder Kimball and some others to accompany him across the river to visit the sick at Montrose. Many of the Saints were living at the old military barracks. Among the number were several of the twelve. On his arrival, the first house he visited was that occupied by Elder Brigham Young, the President of the Quorem of the Twelve who lay sick. Joseph healed him, when he arose and accompanied the Prophet on his visit to others who were in the same condition. They visited Elder W. Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor, all of whom were living in Montrose. They also accompanied him. The next place they visited was the home of Elijah Fordham, who was supposed to be about breathing his last. When the company entered the room the Prophet of God walked up to the dying man, and took hold of his right hand and spoke to him; but brother Fordham was unable to speak, his eyes were set in his head like glass, and he seemed entirely unconscious of all around him. Joseph held his hand and looked into his eyes in silence for a length of time. A change in the countenance of Brother Fordham was soon perceptible to all present. His sight returned, and upon Joseph asking him if he knew him, he, in a slow whisper, answered, 'Yes.' Joseph asked him if he had faith to be healed. He answered, 'I fear it is too late; if you had come sooner I think I could have been healed.'
"The Prophet said, 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ?'
"He answered in a feeble voice, 'I do.'
"Joseph then stood erect, still holding his hand in silence several moments, then he spoke in a very loud voice, saying, 'Brother Fordham, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to rise from this bed and be made whole.' His voice was like the voice of God, and not of man. It seemed as though the house shook to its very foundation. Brother Fordham arose from his bed and was immediately made whole. His feet were bound in poultices, which he kicked off, the putting on his clothes he ate a bowl of bread and milk and followed the Prophet into the street." (Taken from THE LIFE OF JOSEPH SMITH by George Q. Cannon, derived from the journal of Wilford Woodruff, the author's great great grandfather.)
We could write several books documenting miraculous healings and other miracles performed by men and women in many different religions, Christian and non Christian. All miracle workers recognize, as Jesus did, the Spirit of one higher than themselves working through them.
I know that many reading this have also experienced miracles in their lives.
Question:
Do you believe in miracles? Have you had then happen in your lives? Give one or two examples.
-- End Of Part Ten --
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Copyright 2001 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved