Thursday, January 18, 2007

greater things...

“Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – Jesus.

Whoa. Greater things, LORD? I don’t know, I haven’t seen anyone raised from the dead lately. Nor have You healed any disease with the touch of my hand, or stopped the torrential rains that have officially arrived here in Guayaquil, with a word from my mouth. (Not that I’ve tried. I love the rain.) Are you sure you meant greater things, LORD?

So, I’m reading this great book called the Irresistible Revolution (Shane Claiborne), and he’s the one that has got me thinking about Jesus’ affirmation that his disciples are going to do even greater things than He. Could it be that Christ’s miracles were not so much an expression of His mighty power, as they were an expression of His love? After all, it wasn’t Jesus miracles alone that had lasting significance. Lazarus did eventually die again. The sick that were healed by Jesus’ touch were probably not immune to the common cold or other diseases down the road. And the thousands of men, women and children that ate from the 5 loaves and 2 fish, were hungry again the next day.

What was lasting about Christ’s miracles was His love. It wasn’t that Jesus healed a leper, but that he touched a leper…because no one touched lepers. “And the incredible thing about that love is that it now lives inside us. Jesus assures us that His Spirit now lives in us; He was going to the Father, but would also remain inside of us, and we in Him. We are the body of Christ, the hands and feet of Jesus to the world. Christ is living inside of you and me, walking the earth.” (Shane).

I am a believer in miracles, and Jesus’ power to do them, please don’t misunderstand me. The truth is though, I can get easily discouraged when not much can be seen. Little fruit, little progress. I guess that’s why Jesus said that those who have faith, will do what He did. Faith is the opposite of sight.

And love is what He did. And love is enough.

God has made me able to do great things, because I have access to that same love.

I guess that is what Mother Teresa meant when she said, “we can do no great thing, only small things with great love.” It’s love that makes the greatness.

(but I still don't get the "er" part.)

5 comments:

The Kohlers said...

J, can you tell me the horne's address? I'm in Montreal this week and wondered where they have settled. Love ya, dee><>

Anonymous said...

so good to hear what you've been mulling over (like usual). i've heard that book recommended by a few others, perhaps the time has come to find myself a copy. always praying for you... love, marcelle

Tim said...

Great insights Janna. Thanks for posting. I think I disagree with your line about "little fruit, little progress". The strongest plants that produce the most fruit are those that have taken the time to grow a large healthy root system. Roots are under the earth; you cannot see them but that does not mean they are not there. I think you are redeeming the earth where you are and planting seeds and growing roots right now. Fruit is only a matter of time.

Much Love, tim

Anonymous said...

I'm reading that book too right now! I was actually going to bring it down for you in March...but I guess you've beat me to it. :) Can't wait to see you.
~Sheil

Anonymous said...

Was doing some 'sorting' the other day and came across your site. Janna, you are a treat for a weary soul. You've got to read some of Henri Nouwen's books. The Wounded Healer, Return of the Prodigal Son.
It's all about love.

Will send you an e-mail.

In Christian love,
Tracy H.
spirit@on.aibn.com