“Every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.”- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 3 of The Grave Robber by stating that the single greatest miracle is the forgiveness of our sins, made possible through the crucifixion and resurrection of the sinless Son of God. This miracle of salvation, however, is not the finish line. It is the baseline.
Pastor Batterson then lists the seven miracles found in the gospel of John that are the foundation for this book:
1. The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)
2. Jesus Heals an Official’s Son (John 4:46-54)
3. The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath (John 5:1-9)
4. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
5. Jesus Walks on Water (John 6:16-21)
6. Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind (John 9:1-11)
7. Jesus Raises Lazarus (John 11:32-44)
Pastor Batterson notes that, while the exploration of these seven miracles will stretch our mind, John’s original intent was that such exploration would stretch our faith. Speaking about those miracles, Mark adds:
“They don’t just reveal what Jesus did, past tense. They reveal what He wants to do in your life, present tense.”
The seventh miracle John describes is not the epilogue. Rather, it is the prologue to the miracles Jesus wants to do in our lives.
Today’s question: How do you think this in-depth discussion of Jesus’ miracles will impact your life? Please share.
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation, “Hello Dave”
Tomorrow’s blog: “The miracle of restraint”
