Have Miracles Ceased?

Miracles.

What are they really?
Do we recognize them?
Do they happen to us?

The Bible Dictionary states that a miracle is "An important element in the work of Jesus Christ"..."They were intended to be a proof to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ"..."Many of them were also parabolic and instructive"..."Miracles were and are a response to faith, and its best encouragement. They were never wrought without prayer, felt need, and faith."(Bible Dictionary)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, gave a very insightful and inspiring talk about miracles. You can read it here "Miracles"

Elder Oaks' words got me to thinkin'...

 This video depicts one of the most well known of the miracles preformed by the Savior during His mortal ministry...

We all love that story. We know, without a doubt, that it was a miracle. The evidence is as clear as it could be. 

But what about this event? Is it a miracle? What do you think? Miracle or not?

This is what Elder Oaks said, "Changing bodies or protecting temples are miracles, but an even greater miracle is a mighty change of heart by a son or daughter of God (see Mosiah 5:2). A change of heart, including new attitudes, priorities, and desires, is greater and more important than any miracle involving the body. I repeat, the body will be resurrected in any event, but a change affecting what the scripture calls the “heart” of a spirit son or daughter of God is a change whose effect is eternal."

Wow. Did you ever think of that? So when we, or someone else, experience a change of heart that turns us to Christ, we are experiencing a miracle. A real true blue miracle.

We don't know if the woman in the second video changed her life around or not. I hope she did. I would hope that a personal experience with the Savior would be powerful enough to carry her through the ridicule she might have experienced after that event. I would hope that all those who were watching her and the Savior that day, didn't hold her past choices over her head but let her change. I would hope that in those moments when her old habits wanted attention, she was able to give them over to the Savior and let Him help her through the tough moments...or days...or weeks...or months.

Whatever the case may be, I think it is important for us to let that sink into our hearts :) - a change of heart is the greatest miracle wrought by the Savior.

Now, if you have a moment (and I hope you do) go back and watch the first video of Jarius' daughter again. Are there any similarities between that miracle and the second video? Imagine Jarius is running to the Savior because his daughter is spiritually dying. How might we apply that to our concern for others?  How might the story of the woman caught in adultery be different if someone had run to Jesus begging Him to heal her instead of asking Him to judge her?  Because often, sin is just a symptom of a spiritual sickness just as a fever is a symptom of a physical ailment. Just something to think about.

A change of heart is not only for those in situations like unto the woman in the second video. A change of heart is a universal need.

Elder Oaks said, "If of the right kind, this change opens the door to the process of repentance that cleanses us to dwell in the presence of God. It introduces the perspective and priorities that lead us to make the choices that qualify us for eternal life, 'the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7).

One last thing...

The Bible Dictionary states, 

"Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the resurrection of our Lord. If that be admitted, other miracles cease to be improbable."

 

So have miracles ceased? No way.

Have you experienced one lately? I bet you have.
Did you recognize that miracle? I hope so.