By reviewing the accounts of Jesus’ miracles in Matthew 4:23–25, we find that God inscribed an eternal miracle in the lives of those people. Regardless of the ultimate quality of their faith in God, they experienced the Lord’s visitation directly. They heard His teaching firsthand and witnessed miracles with their own eyes. On paper, they should have been the most committed to following the Lord. Yet in fact, many among them likely cried, “Crucify Him!” when Jesus faced judgment by the Roman authorities. From this, we can say that miracles have influence or charm for a certain period of time. However, when the memory of that experience fades, and circumstances change, the miracle itself cannot sustain our delight in God.
The eternal miracle actually lies in the relationship with God itself. Why is that? As discussed in recent reflections, miracles are signposts that point someone to knowing Christ, who reveals the mysterious Father. Knowing always speaks of a relationship. A good relationship begins with true knowledge. When someone knows God, they are expected to have a good relationship with Him. We, who are sinful and often disappoint God, should not be able to relate to Him, but God acts differently. He does many things to reconcile us to Himself. This begins supremely through the sacrifice of His only Son (Colossians 1:20). Through Jesus’ obedience unto death on the cross, we who were far are reconciled and brought near.
In many religions and beliefs, drawing near to God is seen as unattainable. God and humans are regarded as irreconcilably distant because God is divine and humans are merely human. The human condition is always weak, separating it from the divine. But through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and may even call Him “Father.” This should be seen as the greatest eternal miracle. Fellowship with Him truly transforms us. Fellowship with a miraculous act may produce only temporary effects on our feelings; fellowship with God Himself can impart God’s mind and heart to us. This should capture our attention, for it is a rare and honoured opportunity.
Ironically, many do not regard a relationship with God as a rare opportunity. They undervalue it. God is treated as an imaginary figure whose presence is optional. For them, pursuing money and material well-being is more important than relating to God. The relationship with God is postponed, as if it isn’t primary. If one grasps that humans are limited in every way, we are truly fortunate to have an unlimited God.
Many are pessimistic about relating to God because they think God is abstract and unreachable. Yet many believe evil spirits and dark powers are everywhere and can easily possess someone. If one believes evil spirits are pervasive and frightening, one should believe even more that God is everywhere and far more awe-inspiring. Fellowship with God is not abstract, difficult, or speculative; it becomes real insofar as we properly place Him in our lives. As long as we have the right longing, He will not ignore us. Scripture says He is faithful even when we are not. This is a remarkable Person in love and faithfulness. Thus, to be in fellowship with Him is an eternal miracle.