OCTOBER 31, 2 Kings 4:1-7 

Although we have read about many miracles this month, these are within one period of the Bible. In the entire Bible, there are 3 such “periods” where a lot of miracles were performed: during the time of Moses, when he brought the people out of Egypt; during the time of Elijah and Elisha, when they confronted false prophets and evil kings; during the time of the Lord Jesus when He performed miracles and also gave power to His disciples to do so.

What is the purpose of miracles? It is to show to the idolatrous people who the one and true living God is. That happened in all 3 periods of the Bible: that Pharaoh will know who God is and release the Israelites; that the evil kings will know that the God of Elisha is the true God; that the people in the time of Jesus would repent and turn to Him. Miracles should increase the faith of the believers in God. Miracles point to the power of God.

Today, many have claimed to have received signs, dreams and visions from God. Some claim to be prophets and some apostles, thereby promoting themselves above fellow believers. Of these, the most popular are the self proclaimed faith healers. Yet to date, no blind has been made to see. No lame made to walk again. No one had ever raised a dead body to life. If the sick does not get well after faith healing, the healer will say that the patient does not have enough faith. God’s name is being used to gain fame for oneself. Worse still, some make merchandise of the Gospel. An example is the “Signs and Wonders movement” that has deceived many.

We know why God does not send prophets to us anymore. He has given us the Bible. A lot of false prophets today claim that God spoke to them in visions and dreams. Let us not be deceived by them.

Thought: Only the prophecies and miracles written in the Bible are true.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to believe only Thy word because Thy word is truth. Keep me away from any false teachings. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.