Why Miracles and Signs?

Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. [Acts 6.8-9]

I made a statement yesterday in Suffering For Christ that is proven true in today's OYCB reading:

Here is a highly effective Biblical prescription for persecution (suffering for Christ): start healing sick people and casting out demons. It is guaranteed to bring on persecution - many times, immediately!

It should be pointed out here that Stephen performed miracles and signs, as opposed to just talking about miracles and signs. As much as it grieves me (and I am sure the heart of God), I have only mostly talked about miracles and signs up to now. However, anyone who has followed my writings knows that I have acknowledged this shortcoming and am striving to actually perform miracles and signs because that is what Jesus did and that is what Jesus said we would do! The irony of this is that no matter how much I have written about miracles and signs, I have not been persecuted for my stance. That is because talk is cheap unless it is validated... Even if I became the most highly-acclaimed and published authority on miracles and signs in my day, it would all be for naught. But when the day comes that I finally get past myself and into the life of Christ on earth with miracles and signs following, persecution will come.

Bring on the persecution for Christ then! 

To be clear, many people do the world's kind of good. These "good people" treat people nicely, give them verbal comfort (even from God's Word) oftentimes accompanied by other comforts money can afford, and they are generally seen as kind-hearted and helpful. They are held in high regard by all. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, something Jesus said gives contrast:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

While "faith people" really love to, and do, quote John 14.12 above (myself included), few rejoice in something Jesus said in the very next chapter of John's Gospel:

Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. [John 15.20]

Nothing validates being "in Christ" and "Christ in us" like persecution for doing God's kind of good - miracles and signs - as Jesus demonstrated.

Let's look a little further into Stephen's situation as it compares to Jesus.

Miracles and signs got Jesus crucified. On the Cross, Jesus said:

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” [Luke 23.34a]

Miracles and signs got Stephen stoned. What did Stephen say?

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. [Acts 7.59-60]

Christ suffered for doing God's kind of good. Any real follower of Christ will therefore (as Jesus Himself prophesied) suffer for doing God's kind of good - miracles and signs. This background of suffering (and only this background of suffering) provides the necessary contrast for God's kind of love to be seen:

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” [Jesus]

And,

 “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” [Stephen]

Anyone in the world can do the world's kind of good to others and then enjoy the accompanying notoriety. But, be sure of this, few are willing to do God's kind of good - miracles and signs at the cost of persecution - and rejoice then in the opportunity to forgive in the midst of their subsequent suffering as an indisputable and undeniable testimony of Jesus Christ.

Do we really want to see and do miracles in our lives then? Have we counted the cost?

When Jesus told His disciples, "you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16.24), He really meant it. He meant it when He told them to perform miracles and signs by faith. He meant it that He sent us as He was sent by the Father. He meant it all and it all plays a part in our giving forgiveness so that we might be forgiven (Matthew 6.14).

Father, thank You for Jesus' example of counting the cost of every miracle He performed (that drew the ire of Godless people, most of whom were religious). May I be found seeking miracles and signs only for the persecution they bring - only for the suffering of which that validates my forgiveness of others as an act of Your love. May I be found then "in Christ" in miracles that lead to persecution that leads to suffering that then affords me the opportunity to forgive - to love with Your kind of love, so Christ might undeniably be seen in me. So be it.