Greater Works Than These Shall You Do Devotion #2 of 13

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12)

Israel in Deliverance

When it comes to external deliverances, there has been nothing in the history of the world to equal Israel's deliverance from Egypt. They were exempt from all of the plagues, although in the proximity where they took place. When they came out of Egypt, they did not leave a "hoof" behind (Ex. 10:26). When departing, the Egyptians loaded them with jewels of gold and silver, and costly raiment. Some of the Egyptians, apparently moved through fear, joined the Israelites as they left. The Scripture refers to them as "a mixed multitude" (KJV). The NIV says "Many other people went up with them." A pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night went before Israel at all times (Ex 13:21-22; 14:24). They crossed over the Red Sea on dry land, between two mighty walls of water that later came crashing down upon the foolish Egyptians that pursued them (Ex 14:20-31). All of these mighty wonders failed to produce faith in the Israelites. They continued to murmur in unbelief, unaffected in any lasting way by external wonders that have never again been produced on that scale, or in that number. This is a most remarkable circumstance.

Israel at Sinai

Mount Sinai occasioned the giving of the Law. The events that took place there are also unequaled. When it comes to outward workings, God's revelations have never been accompanied with events like those of Sinai. The earth shook, the mountain belched fire and smoke, mighty thunders pealed, and lightning bolts pierced the thick darkness (Ex 20:18; Psa 68:8,17; 77:18-19; 114:7-8). A voice like a piercing trumpet shattered the silence, as the commandments of the Lord were spoken Ex 19:13-19). The people begged God to stop speaking, asking that Moses speak instead. It was an unforgettable day (Ex 20:19). Their hearts were not softened by the remarkable Divine working all about them! As great as Sinai was, it did not cause the people to believe. While the happenings were fresh in their minds, they indulged in idolatry, drunkenness, and fornication at the very foot of the mount of revelation (Ex 32:4-8,25; 1 Cor 10:8). Were it possible for the heart to be changed by external means, it surely would have occurred at Mount Sinai! But it did not!

Israel in the Wilderness

The miracles wrought for Israel in the wilderness were marvelous. They ate miraculous bread for 40 years (Ex 16:3-12,35), and drank water that gushed like rivers from a rock (Ex 17:6-7; Num 20:8-11). They were never lame, and their clothes never wore out (Deut 8:4). They triumphed over their enemies that hindered their progress to Canaan (i.e, Num 21:21-34). Yet no lasting faith resulted from these merciful wonders. Their hearts remained obstinate and hard, and they continued to murmur against their Savior. In Moses valedictory address, he confirmed this to be the case. "Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you" (Deut 9:24). God Himself said of this nation--AFTER they had witnessed His mighty hand, "All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people" (Rom 10:21). Let us learn from this that something more than external deliverances and wonders are needed to correct our wayward bent. Be sure, this is by no means intended to denigrate miracles, signs, or wonders. What God does must not be despised! It is only intended to confirm that this is not the answer to the human dilemma. God has used such things to gain the attention of men. He has also used them to confirm men's worthiness of judgment, and even condemnation. When we speak of "greater things," we are speaking of Divine workings at even a higher level.

-- TOMORROW: GOD SPEAKS IN POWER --