Acts 2:22(NKJV) “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know –
Hebrews 2:4(AMP) [and besides this evidence] God also testifying with them [confirming the message of salvation], both by signs and wonders and by various miracles [carried out by Jesus and the apostles] and by [granting to believers the] gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.
What Is a Miracle?
According to the Bible, a miracle is a supernatural occurrence that goes against the laws of nature. A miracle is affected by the direct operation of God’s power.
What Is a Sign?
“A sign is a miracle that points beyond itself to something greater. It was usually used of miracles that bring men to God” – John Morris
Signs are manifestations of Gods powers through his ministers which reveals God’s presence and power. These works are to testify to the name of Jesus by which men will have faith to believe and accept Christ.
What is a Wonder?
A wonder is a miracle that came as a result of God’s presence. A wonder is something unexplainable by natural laws.
What is the purpose of Miracles, Signs and Wonders?
To validate Jesus as the Messiah – Matthew 11:2-6(TLB) John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the miracles the Messiah was doing, so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you really the one we are waiting for, or shall we keep on looking?” Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him about the miracles you’ve seen me do – the blind people I’ve healed, and the lame people now walking without help, and the cured lepers, and the deaf who hear, and the dead raised to life; and tell him about my preaching the Good News to the poor. Then give him this message, ‘Blessed are those who don’t doubt me.’”
Isaiah 29:18–19(ESV) In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
To build faith – John 10:37-38(AMP) If I do not do the works of My Father [that is, the miracles that only God could perform], then do not believe Me. But if I am doing them, even if you do not believe Me or have faith in Me, [at least] believe the works [that I do – admit that they are the works of God], so that you may know and keep on knowing [clearly – without any doubt] that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father [that is, I am One with Him].”
To show His glory – John 2:11(NKJV) This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
To believe in Jesus – John 2:23(KJV) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
Many people sought signs and wonders yet missed God in the process. There is a better option than seeking signs. Instead of seeking signs, spend your time seeking the move of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can move in a place, and signs and wonders can follow.
“The true reward is not seeing God do some miraculous sign; the true reward is being in his presence. When the Spirit of God is in a place, it could mean signs and wonders. Even if they don’t come, the joy of his presence will be enough to satisfy more than any sign or wonder ever could.” – Clarence L Haynes Jr