A biblical psalm says, "Praise the Lord ... who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:2-3). Only God can forgive all sins and heal all diseases. So when Jesus told a paralyzed man, "Friend, your sins are forgiven," he was saying what only God can say. When his authority to forgive sins was challenged, Jesus proved his divine authority by doing what only God can do: he healed the incurable disease of paralysis.

Another psalm says, "O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? ... You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them" (Psalm 89:8-9). Only God can still stormy seas. So when Jesus rebuked a storm and told the wild waves, "Quiet! Be still!" he was saying what only God can say. As the storm hushed and the sea became calm, Jesus' disciples exclaimed, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (Mark 4:37-41)

Still another psalm says that God provides "wine that gladdens the heart of man ... and bread that sustains his heart" (Psalm 104:15). So when Jesus turned water into wine, and when he miraculously gave bread to a crowd of more than five thousand, he showed that he is the very Lord who supplies us with food and drink every day.

Jesus shows in his miracles that he is Lord of creation--and Lord of a new creation. He is God. Don't deny it. Instead, praise him as God and be filled with awe at his healing, forgiving power.

PRAYER--Lord Jesus, your divine power shines in your miracles. Forgive our sins and heal our disease as only you can, and fill us with awe at your greatness and kindness. Amen.