Don’t Let Signs and Wonders Distract You From This Greater Priority

Imagine if you just experienced a long string of the most miraculous events in your life. Not little miracles, but huge, over-the-top experiences, supernatural healings, signs and wonders. These were miracles that not only you saw and experienced, but everyone around you was affected in one way or another by them.

After these miracles take place, you attend a reunion with your family you arrive and run to meet your relatives. You wrap your arms around your favorite relative’s neck. What do you say first? Do you tell about the person raised from the dead? Or maybe the mountain cast into the sea? Or maybe you excitedly share about the person who was delivered from a deadly illness? Or maybe the lame man who was now able to run again?

With all of those amazing and wonderful miracles to share, it might be difficult to decide what you would say first, filled with all of the excitement and overflowing with faith. For many, what to say first could be a difficult decision. Yet, it should not be difficult at all for any of us. Why? Because the Bible shares a clear answer to this dilemma and provides for us clarity and priority.

In Exodus 18, we find Moses’ family reunion taking place as he is rejoined by his wife and children, as well as Yitro (Jethro), his father-in-law. This meeting takes place after all of the plagues have happened. It takes place after the parting of the Reed Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army in the sea. It happens after Moses hits the rock and enough water comes forth to quench the thirst of the entire nation. And after the victory against the Amalekites when Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms so Israel could win. The list of miracles that had taken place covers more than the items mentioned in this article, yet when we read of the first interaction between Moses and Yitro and the very first words that were spoken by both men, we learn an important lesson about miracles and biblical values. And remember, by the time they meet, Moses had experiences all of the miracles mentioned, and Yitro, according to Exodus 18:1, “heard of all that God had done for Moses and for His people Israel, how Adonai had brought Israel out of Egypt.”

So, they were both aware of each and every supernatural event that G-D had brought forth. Yet, with all of these overwhelmingly exciting things to speak about to each other, in Exodus 18:7, we read about the very first part of their conversation: “Moses went out to meet his father-in-law; he bowed down and kissed him; each asked after the other’s welfare, and they went into the tent” (Ex. 18:7).

The first words that came out of each of their mouths were not about the signs and wonders, no. The first were about the welfare of their loved one. They understood, as we should, that people are more important than miracles and that all miracles are for people. Too often we run from place to place searching for the next great sign or wonder when everywhere we walk we see the most important miracle of all standing all around us: humanity. Always remember the greatest miracle of all time was when G-D robed Himself in human flesh and offered Himself for our atonement and then rose from the grave victoriously. And He did those miracles for our welfare. It’s never about the miracles; it is always about the people. {eoa}