WHERE ARE THE MIRACLES 2/11

By Teena Myers

Before we discuss how to find our way back to miracles, let’s put to rest who is at fault for the church losing its power. The answer is simple and unbiased.

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth….”1 Timothy 1:18 – 2:4

This scripture spans two chapters in the letter addressed to Timothy. If we follow Paul’s thought without stopping at the end of chapter 1, we find two ministers had already corrupted the faith Paul taught them. According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Hymenaeus and Alexander were heretic teachers in Ephesus. They were not only destroying themselves with their teachings but also those who listened to them.

Prayer for all in authority was Paul’s solution to the damage Hymenaeus and Alexander created with their doctrine. Paul exhorted Pastor Timothy to make praying for everyone in authority a “first” priority. In verse 8 of chapter 2 Paul exhorted the rest of us to pray for authorities as well, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” Don’t be angry and argue with authorities. Pray for them.

If we desire to live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence, the authorities who govern us must obey God. They affect everyone under their authority when they don’t. If they get lost and they are suffering, so will we.

“God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it;”   1 Corinthians 12:24-26

God desires to do more for us than save us from a situation that requires a miracle. He wants us to know the truth about him. If God’s presence enters a sanctuary and sees those in authority are fools spreading error about him, he will leave, and no one will receive the blessings he wanted to bestow (Isaiah 32:6). God will not confirm lies taught to us by wayward authorities with miracles. Doing so would establish us in the error they teach.

The sheep will file out of the service dry, thirsty, sick and as lost as the authorities who lead them are.  But don’t play the blame game. Don’t blame the shepherds for being spiritually hungry and thirsty. Are we making it our “first” priority to pray for all who are in authority?