The Miracle Worker
G.K. Chesterton once said, “The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen.” That may or may not be true, depending on what is meant by the word “miracle.”
These days the definition of a miracle has been stretched so that the word is beginning to lose it elasticity. To us, a miracle is something that is unlikely or inexplicable to the general population. Therefore, when we speak of the “miracle of childbirth,” and there are over four million babies born in this country every year, we fail to appreciate Chesterton’s astonishment.
I realize that words evolve, and people are not compelled always to use a term in its biblical sense. (We give “supper,” for example, a different meaning during communion than we do at the kitchen table.) However, we must use caution when speaking of miracles. If we’re not careful, we will rob them of all meaning.
A great example is ABC’s new television show “Miracle Workers.” Producers describe it as a “life-changing new series about real people overcoming insurmountable odds with the help of an elite team of medical professionals.” Of course, God is not mentioned at all. “Miracle Workers” presents the viewer with two miracles a week, completely materialistic and free of spiritual significance.
Ultimately there is only one Miracle Worker, and His supernatural signs declared His Son to be the Savior of the world (Jn. 20:30-31). No amount of science could explain these wonders, which calmed stormy seas, restored sight, made the lame to walk, raised the dead, and cast out demons. Having confirmed the Word (Heb. 2:3-4), these miracles have faded away (1 Cor. 13:8-10). But we can read about them, and, believing they happened, we are truly astonished.
