Ever wonder why you don’t see more miracles today? Actually, there are miracles and all the giftings today – I’ve seen them. Most of this has to do with understanding why the gifts were given and their relationship to faith.. My pastor showed us an interesting verse about that in the Bible this morning.
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-39 NKJV (Italics added)
Jesus gave clear orders during his life that those that follow him would be able to do what he was doing. The purpose would be to glorify his Father. What need does God have that He can’t meet? The only need God has that He can’t meet is for us to glorify Him, and in so doing draw the world to Him. God allows us to participate with him in the redemption of the world.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matt 5:16 NKJV
When we stumble and fail, it is because we aren’t glorifying God. The gifts are given for the purpose of glorifying God. To quote George Barna, the purpose of all ministry is to glorify God. That is why God created us!
Toward the end of his ministry, Jesus spoke these words to his followers:
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:12-15 NKJV
Figure that one out!
