In matters of faith, seeing isn't believing but rather believing is seeing. This is the reason why despite all the miracles that God performed on behalf of the children of Israel, they soon forgot them. If we think about it, it is astonishing how Israel succumbed to unbelief despite all the extraordinary miracles that they witnessed. “We see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief” (Heb. 3:19). Because of their unbelief, in His wrath God declared; ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ (Heb. 4:3)
The story of the Exodus is filled with amazing signs. We read how God struck the Egyptians with the 10 plagues, with the last one being the final straw for Pharaoh as he reluctantly let Israel leave. Seeing that the Israelites were not going to return, Pharaoh had second thoughts and then resolved to pursue the Hebrew slaves. God split the Red Sea so that Israel would cross into safety at the expense of Pharaoh's army who all drowned. God provided water and food in the desert to Israel for 40 years, their clothes and shoes didn't wear and tear the whole journey (Deut. 8:3-4). God led them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exod. 13:21).
The history of Israel should teach us that miracles are insufficient to sustain faith. Churches such as the vocal Charismatic Movement, which emphasizes mainly on signs and wonders are filled with many tired and 'unbelieving' members. Although people are excited when the miracles happen, they soon forget them and return to the default mode of yearning for more. These people are trapped in an endless cycle of miracles after miracles in order to maintain their cravings. Cognizant of the futility of this belief system, their spiritual leaders go to all lengths to continually satisfy the appetite of their followers. False miraculous claims are also made so that these leaders ensure the pews are full. It is needless to mention them since they are widely known. However, if the miracles would disappear then the crowds would disappear simultaneously. The (over)reliance on signs and wonders reduces Churches into amphitheaters and stadiums, and when miracles are lacking, consequently the spectators vanish.
Matthew 12:39 - An evil and adulterous generation seek after a sign…
It is wise to consider that a belief system that centers on signs and wonders is fallen. The over-reliance on signs tends to conceal a lack of faith since all focus is channeled to the external drama of miracles rather than faith in God. Ultimately, isn't loving ADONAI with all your heart, soul, and strength the objective of faith? There is a miracle that is greater than the dividing of the Red Sea, it is the conversion of a man to love ADONAI with all of his heart (bekhol levavkha). (Deut. 6:5)
When ADONAI told the Prophet, Elijah, to go up the mountain so that He would meet him there, ADONAI was not in the strong wind or in the mighty earthquake, or in the fiery fire. He was in the still small voice (1 Kin. 19:11-12). Though the Holy One of Israel manifests His awesome glory within great manifestations, He is mainly found in the most obscure places, in the hearts of the most humble men (Is. 57:15). In the same way, God is not always present in the theatres of signs and wonders.
The Hebrew word for seeing, Re’eh (רְאֵה) has the same root as the word for fear, Yirah (יראה), suggesting that how we see spiritually is connected to our fear and awe of the Almighty. The philosophy of the world is, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” however the philosophy of heaven is, “We live by faith not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)” Sight is a function of the eyes. It is the enemy of the heart of faith because it sees what is there whereas the heart believes in order to see. This is the reason why the observant Jew closes his eyes to recite the Shema twice daily, “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad” (Deut 6:4). In order to see God in this world you have to go beyond sight into the heart because “The longings in a person’s heart are deep waters.” (Prov. 20:5)
The wise man enjoys life- and sees the beauty and wisdom of the Creator at work even in times of trial & tribulations. The foolish man despairs life- and finds as many reasons to complain in the midst of blessings and prosperity as he does in times of adversity.
Deacon Felix Wainaina
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