Ancient Words: Miracles of Jesus, Rays of Light
Mankind has grown in knowledge over his 6,000 years presence on earth. One subject he has not mastered is the subject of light. Light has been explored and learned and expanded in some regards, however the full grasp and understanding of light remains elusive to the human mind. We know that light operates by wave lengths and we know that visible light for mankind operates between approx. 400 and 700 nanometers—400nm produces a dark blue color and 700nm produces a dark red color. The human eye is designed to see within the boundaries of the blue and red color as all colors exist in the universe between these two colors. The full spectrum of light extends far beyond 400nm and 700 nm and it is outside the “visible” boundary that knowledge has been revealed about x-ray and gamma-ray; microwave and radio wave—rays of light which are invisible. We can’t see the micro-ray yet we see the result. We can’t see the x-ray yet we see the result. No one could see the gamma-ray yet the result was seen in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
When Jesus performed miracles on earth, no one could see how the results came about: The water turned into wine, but no one knew how, the five loves that fed 5,000 but no one knew how, the mud packed eyes washed in Siloam for sight yet no one knew how, the lame at Bethesda’s pool made whole yet no one knew how, the leper healed but no one knew how. Only one common occurrence for each miracle was the presence and/or the words of the Master. Christ is the common denominator and he, as “light of the world”, holds the key to the power and splendor of every single miracle.
Without a doubt the most powerful source in all creation is light. Light is the first born of all creation for on the first day God created light. Light was prophesied by Isaiah as he wrote: Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. The presence of Christ is light, the words of Christ are light: Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. His words as rays of light cover the full spectrum of light. They exceed the parameters set for the human eye. They are stronger than the gamma rays upon Japan, they are faster than the radio rays of communication even on iPhone: Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path, Psalm 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Jesus, the Christ, could perform miracles because He is every ray that makes up light and he is the full definition of both visible and invisible light. Even the dead could be raised as was the case with young Tabitha and the young son from the widow of Nain. Lazarus, need only to hear the voice of light from light itself and the power of light-rays emitting from Christ the Lord brought the 4-day old dead man to his feet.
The light remains in the world today for we are the light of the world but only because He, thru his Spirit, lives and abides within us: John 1:3-4 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected].
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Leftovers!
A few years ago when Elyshia and I were the Corps Officers in Waynesboro, Virginia we were preparing for the annual Thanksgiving potluck dinner after church. Each family was to bring a side dish and I was to make my “world famous” turkeys! I got up early to prepare the turkeys, placed them in the electric roasters and then prepared for church. I had it timed just right so that when the service was over they would be done and have time to rest. One of my kitchen helpers noticed that the breakers had been tripped and the turkeys were nowhere near done! I was so disappointed! I felt like I had failed my people and I knew that the side dishes would not be enough. O ye of little faith! Harold Cook, a Board member and recent convert pulled me a side in a fatherly way and whispered encouragement and faith! He said. “I remember you sharing a story about a little boy giving Jesus 5 loaves of bread and two fish. When Jesus blessed it, it not only fed over 5,000 but there were leftovers. Just bless the food.” Once again Jesus did the impossible! Not only did everybody eat, but also had seconds and there were leftovers! It was ike the dishes kept replinishing themselves! It was an absolute miracle and a great illustration of how Jesus always provides!
When we give whatever we have to Jesus, even as small or insignificant as it may seem, Jesus can multiply it to bless us and others. John 6:1-14 tells of this account where Jesus takes a little bit of food and turns it into a feast!
I encourage you today to trust Jesus with what you have. Trust Him with your family, finances, etc. and receive the immediate blessing, as well as baskets of blessings to come!
Captain Jason Perdieu is corps officer of the Salvation Army of El Dorado.