Q3. Jordan Stops Flowing

[Krissi]

 

First, the desire to find a natural explanation for miracles submits to the dominant way of thinking in society -- secular thinking -- for whether or not a secular explanation exists for a supernatural event should not concern a Christian. For those of the world, though, miracles without explanation are riveting and unnerving. The guy whose leg suddenly grows seems more miraculous to an unbeliever than a mudslide, for example, which can be explained. (I write this as someone who has never seen a miracle.)

Second, the idea that some miracles have worldly explanations except timing is most amazing to those for whom the timing is important. An Arab on the shore of the river looking at a mudslide would probably not be as impacted by the event as an Israelite whose about to cross it.

Third, miracles have extra potency if they can be predicted. Magicians tell us to look over here, that they'll pull something out of their hat, and when they do what they say they're going to do, we're surprised ... and try to figure it out. Essentially, Joshua did this. But he did it with their participation which is the crucial difference. The Isrealites had to believe in the upcoming miracle enough to "step out in faith" toward it. Without the faith of the Israelites, there wouldn't have been a miracle.

I'm not sure "what kind of faith" this was. Populist faith? Faith that defers to the wisdom and chosenness of the leader? The Israelites must have had total confidence in Joshua's words as they themselves were not privy to God's speech.

Obviously, putting his reputation on the line by saying what God will do in advance would enhance Joshua's credibility as a leader. 

I'm beginning to see that this is the purpose of miracles, either to lead people to Christ in salvation or to lead believers closer to Him in their walk. Miracles seem to have less to do with their recipients than with those who observe and learn. There's a public nature to miracles, or many of them. They display God. Private miracles happen as well but their purpose is known only to the recipient-believer. In these, God mercifully reaches down to grant an answer to prayer or solve a problem that we may not have known even existed. 

I wonder, at times, if we are swimming in a sea of unacknowledged miracles.