Expert: LEBoyd - 3/26/2009

Question
Hi,
What I was pondering was this: back in biblical times, there were heaps of miracles taking place, demonstrating to Jews, and later Christians, that Jehovah was really there and had power to answer our prayers. Why are there not any anymore? Why no more miracles? I mean, our lives alone are miracles and all that, but no more of the type attested to in the Bible?
Also, when I came across Matthew 24:34 while reading the Bible, I was gobsmacked. It seems to be Jesus saying that the generations of his disciples will be the one in which He will come again. Is this true?
I was also thinking that back in Biblical times, Jehovah interacted with people too, speaking to them and the like. Why not anymore?
My earnest thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
-Victoria


Answer
Victoria,

I could write a book on this question!  It's often asked and more often misunderstood.  But, unfortunately, I only have time for a short answer.

The purpose of miracles was different in the Old Testament as opposed to the New Testament.

In the OT we seen that miracles/signs were done to show people that God was on their side and would do what He said He would do.  There are many examples of this, but 2 Kings 20 is a great chapter that shows the use of miracles.  The miracle wasn't that Hezekiah would live 15 more years, it was the sun going backwards on the stairs (see v. 7).

In the NT the Gospel of John (20:30) tells us that the purpose of signs was to show that Jesus was the Son of God and Christ.  The Apostles were also given the power of miracles through the Holy Spirit to continue the message that Jesus was really the Christ.

During the NT period, the use of miracles as in the OT didn't occur.

Now that Jesus is seen through the Word (Bible), we see that the need for miracles is not necessary.  Everything we need to know about Jesus is in the Bible.

Just to clarify a little about the word "miracle" or "sign".  In our language today we use the word "miracle" as a replacement for the word "amazing".  A miracle in the Bible was an action or event that was against the "laws of nature".  Our lives are definitely amazing and the whole universe that God created is amazing, but not miracles.  The creation, itself, was a miracle.

On your second question, Matt 24 is often misunderstood.  In the first 3 verses we see the scene being set.  The disciples ask two questions - when would the temple be destroyed (as Jesus says in v. 2) and what would be the sign of His coming and the end.

If you miss verse the two questions in verse three, then you miss that there are two answers in the chapter.  Now, we can see that the first answer runs to verse 35 and the second answer begins in verse 36.

This shows that the destruction of the temple would occur within one generation and that some of those there would witness the destruction.  Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed in AD70, less than 40 years from this prophecy.

Next, in verse 36 we see that will not be a sign of Jesus' coming and the end because no one knows when that will occur except for the Father.

For your third question, I think referring to your first question is good.  Prior to the OT Law (during Moses' time) God spoke directly to many types of people.  Once the Law was given and Israel entered the Promised Land, God spoke through the prophets.  Then, when Jesus came He was the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1).  That Word then became the Bible and will be the measuring standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48).  Therefore, God does speak to us through the Word.

Hope this helps.