Negative Miracles
 |
| Gehazi's Scheme by Martin's Bible Cartoons |
For the past couple of
months, we’ve been studying the subject of miracles. Most people’s concepts of
miracles are that all miracles had a positive result: Making the blind see, the
deaf hear, the lame walk, raising the dead, etc.
However, there are a handful
of miracles which had a negative connotation to it and this article will focus
on those. You will see that although negative, they still have a positive
teaching to it.
Negative Miracles in the Old Testament
Ten Plagues— (Ex.
7-11) Most bible students, even the casual ones, know the story of Moses and
the 10 Plagues. These were all negative miracles in that they caused havoc,
destruction, and death among the Egyptian people. The purpose of these plagues
was to prove that there is only One True God and those of Egypt were false
gods. Each plague was a challenge to the Egyptian Gods and they proved false as
they couldn’t counteract the plagues.
Korah’s Rebellion— (Num.
16) During the wilderness wanderings, Korah, Dathan, Abriam, and others came to
Moses complaining that he and Aaron were taking on too much responsibility. In
other words, things weren’t getting done fast enough for them (vs. 13-14).
According to God’s
instructions, Aaron, Korah, and company (250 total) were to burn incense on
their behalf. In the end, God opened the earth and swallowed Korah, Dathan,
Abriam, and the others (vs. 25-33).
Although this solved one
problem, it created another. Others of the congregation were murmured and
complained that Moses would kill these people (vs. 41). Moses had Aaron burn
incense and go in the midst of the congregation because a plague had begun
(46-47). When the plague ended, another 14,700 people died (49-50).
The lesson learned here is
that you do not go against God’s chosen for your own ill-gotten gain. A similar
fate was met in our next example.
Naaman’s Leprosy— (2
Kings 5:1-14) The healing of Naaman’s leprosy is a positive miracle for sure.
However, the story continues when He attempts to pay for the healing and Elisha
refuses. And, going on his way, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, decides to “cash in”
for himself. In addition, he lies to God’s prophet who already knew what
transpired and was, therefore given Naaman’s leprosy; him and his descendants
forever (vs. 20-27).
The moral of this story is
you don’t charge for healings. Hmm, that sound so familiar.
King Uzziah— (2
Chron. 26:3-23) Here is an interesting story. A king who followed in the
footsteps of his father; doing what was right according to God (vs. 4-5).
Zechariah was prophet at that time. However, as a warrior king, his ego and
pride got the better of him that he transgressed the Lord (vs. 16). He
attempted to enter the temple and burn incense on the altar (something he
should have been taught in regard to King Saul; 1 Sam. 13:8-14). In the end,
his forehead broke out with leprosy (vs. 19-20). He remained a leper until his death.
The moral of this story is,
you don’t violate God’s law for your own pleasure. This is something people
today need to heed. Not that they would break out in leprosy and any such
thing, but they will need to answer for their deeds on Judgment Day (2 Cor.
5:10).
Negative Miracles in the New Testament
The moral of this scene is
to show that Jerusalem was seemingly righteous (Mt. 23:23, 25-28), but did not
bear fruit (Mt. 3:8).
Herod the King— (Acts
12:1-23, vs. 21-23) In chapter 12 of Acts, Herod had Peter arrested and thrown
in jail. The apostle escaped, with the aid of an angel, and sought refuge with
friends. Herod was enraged while searching for him the ascended his throne in
his regal apparel and gave a rousing oration. The crowd declared him a god and
the angel of God struck him and he was eaten by worms and died.
The moral of this story is,
give glory to God the Father. Never allow anyone to worship you as deity (Ex.
20:3,5).
Elymas the Sorcerer— (Acts
13:2-12) During Paul’s first missionary tour, he and Barnabas went from city to
city; preaching the word and establishing congregations. However, an individual
known as Elymas (a similar type of “con man” like Simon in Acts 8) withstood Paul
and Barnabas; attempting to prevent the proconsul from the faith (13:8). Paul’s
response to this, “O
full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all
righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And
now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not
seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he
went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:10-11).
The moral of this story is
not to stop those from preaching the word. As messengers of God, we have a
right to proclaim the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15).
Conclusion
As you can see, not all
miracles in scripture were positive. However, as I have shown, lessons can be drawn
from each of them.
Keep in mind, these negative
miracles are not going to fall on anyone today. As Paul stated, Love never fails. But whether
there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will
cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and
we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which
is in part will be done away (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
Although miracles have
ceased, the judgment for all is still to come (2 Cor. 5:10). Don’t be on the wrong
side of God’s word as that is what will judge us in the last day (Jn. 12:48)
Comments
Post a Comment