How Do They Do That?

When I was growing up, I had an Uncle that could pull a quarter out of my ear. Yes, that was quite amazing, especially when I got to keep the quarter. I also remember going to magic shows where rabbits were pulled out of hats, doves appear from nowhere, countless card tricks, and witnessing items disappear before my eyes. It was magic to the young mind, or was it miracles? The true definition of “magic,” is “the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.” I am sure that is why some people that perform this stage show act like to be called “illusionists.”

Magic or Miracle

The other kind of magic is what some might call “real” magic; it draws on occult, demonic power as some might see in an Ouija board or voodoo doll. The Bible speaks of this type of magic in 2 Thessalonians 2:9“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders.” One might scrutinize then, like a young child at a magic show; what is the difference between magic and miracles? Pharaoh probably was trying to figure this out when Moses and Aaron were pleading with him to let their people go. Pharaoh’s magicians (Exodus 7:11,22) were able to duplicate the miraculous plagues of a staff becoming a snake (Exodus 7:10-12), mass production of frogs (Exodus 8:7), and duplicating the changing of water into blood (Exodus 7:22). However, these magicians were powerless to mimic the other plagues and reported to Pharaoh that these miracles from God prevailed (Exodus 8:19).

Miracles And Jesus

Miracles and magic sometimes look the same, but their goals are different. Magic and illusion distract the eye from reality, while miracles draw the eye to reality. Miracles reveal; magic hides. Miracles are an expression of creative power; magic uses what already exists. Miracles are a gift; magic is a studied skill. Miracles do not glorify men; magic seeks to be noticed and bring glory to the magician. Jesus was not a magician. He was the Son of God, known for His many miracles (John 7:31). Jesus told His enemies, “Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father” (John 10:37-38). Jesus’ miracles (or “signs,” as John called them) are proof of who He is, the true Son of God. Through these miracles, Jesus built up the faith of those who believed in Him. By keeping our eyes on the cross, it is easy to discern the difference between magic and miracles. Can we still see miracles today? Yes and we need to thank God for all the blessings he has given us. Looking for a particular miracle? Ask God through prayer, Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”