Last Miracles

      Most folks have heard of the miracles of Jesus Christ – walking on water, healing sick, replacing blind eyes, raising dead Lazarus, etc. But the last day or so of his life offers some very unusual miracles, and not as well known:
- Christ predicted that Peter would deny Him 3 times BEFORE the rooster crowed. That happened,      Luke 22:34, but only the power of God could stop the rooster from crowing in the morning (unless      it was dead).  
- When Christ was arrested there was a scuffle & the servant of the high priest got his right ear        cut off. Jesus put it back on, Luke 22:50-51.
- There was darkness over the land in mid-day for three hours while Christ was on the cross,                Matthew 27:45. If that was only an eclipse of the sun, the timing itself was a serious miracle.
- The thick temple curtain ripped in two from top to bottom and earthquake “and the rocks were          split”. Matthew 27:51 -- that was God’s way of saying we now have a New Covenant and direct            access to God without a priest. Jesus is our priest, Hebrews 9:11-12, 15. Now a lot of good                Christians enjoy a style of Church that has been “priestly” for 1500 years. But those who “protest”    can have a fine relationship with Christ directly, 1 Timothy 2:5.
- When Jesus died – “tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints . . . were raised, and        coming out . . . after his resurrection . . . and appeared to many,” Matthew 27:52-53. That Easter      morning was much more intense than just Christ coming back to life – there was a whole gang of          “resurrectees” milling around Jerusalem.
      The “last miracles” of Christ are unique & special, and have their own meaning. Anyone who thinks (and believes) can benefit and gain Biblical perspective & FAITH from them. They also get a glimpse of God’s character from them. I have personally experienced many miracles (see link 33 “My Miracles”). Now this doesn’t mean I’m especially holy or righteous – I have just been open to miracles from the beginning of my Christian experience. And possibly I’m spoiled by miracles. Recently I got my “last miracle” – (hopefully not the final one . . .) We were camping at a forest lake in AZ & I kicked a grapefruit size rock which was cracked. It broke in 2 or 3 pieces. I picked up a fist size piece & looked at the inside fissure surface. To my amazement, there was a wallet photo size image of my 9 yr. old granddaughter – a little blurry, but not vague or abstract. We keep it on our breakfast table as a reminder of God’s character & power & miracles.

      I suppose this “note” can be concluded by simply saying God can do anything, and He is a cool character. If you are looking for inspiration & HOPE, just read & reflect on what miracles have already been done – from “cover to cover,” not just the “last miracles” above. The Bible is the book of miracles. And know that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 It’s comforting to know that miracles still happen, according to our faith & our needs. Of course, with or without miracles, the new birth in Christ is itself a miracle in this ungodly world. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Choose Jesus, He is Alive. (And I know it’s not politically correct these days to believe the Bible or it’s mysterious miracles, but I sure am enchanted with my new/old Rachel Rock.)

Many other interesting titles:  www.gospelnotes.org                                               * * F. J. Stone * *  
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