THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Exodus 14:17-31
John 20:30-31

“… blessed are they that have not seen,
and yet have believed.”

WHY NO PARTING OF SEAS TODAY?

The LORD interposed with the pillar of cloud to stop the Egyptian army from attacking the children of Israel through the night. This pillar of cloud gave light on the side of God’s people, but it was dark on the enemies’ side. Moses stretched forth his hand and the LORD caused an east wind to blow all night, dividing and drying the sea for the children of Israel, creating a path of escape as they walked between the walls of water. Pharaoh’s host gave chase. The LORD caused the chariot wheels of Pharaoh’s host to come off, and these high-speed fighting machines became useless. The Egyptians knew again that the LORD was fighting for His people. They knew they needed to retreat but it was too late. When God’s people were safely on the other side, the LORD closed the sea and drowned Pharaoh’s entire host. Surely the sight of the dead bodies of the Egyptians floating to shore must have added to the children of Israel’s fear of the LORD and to believe His servant, Moses.

Why doesn’t God perform such miracles today? Would it not cause more people to fear and believe in Him? The Power Evangelism movement promotes the use of miracles to convince man. This is erroneous. Lazarus’ resurrection did not change the Pharisees. However, the miracles during the exodus did have an impact on Rahab causing her to fear (Josh 2:10) and trust in the LORD (Heb 11:31). So, why not have miracles today? God did use miracles to cause man to fear and to believe (John 10:37- 38), hence it is not wrong, yet He also rebuked a sign-seeking generation (Matt 12:39). God does not intend to reveal Himself by miracles in all ages. We are to be like Rahab. Remember that Rahab believed in what she heard happened to the children of Israel in the past. She did not witness the miracles herself. Her faith came from hearing, not from sight. All the miracles God would give that man may believe and be edified have been recorded already. They are sufficient, even much more than what Rahab heard. This is the point in John 20:30-31.

THOUGHT: The miracles in the Bible are recorded for my faith.
PRAYER: LORD, teach me to walk by faith and not by sight.