THE MULTIFACETED GOD

Thanks again to 

Allison Sylvester-Conliffe 

for allowing me to post another one of her powerful articles.

God’s aim and purpose is always for restoration of men to Himself.  When he does a miracle or a deliverance for example, it is not solely for the benefit of the person being delivered, but for the greater good of ALL the masses, with the purpose of glorifying Himself and His Kingdom.

The book of Acts records that the apostles were thrown into prison by the high priest of the Sadducees, and God allowed it.   

Miraculously released from prison

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. - Acts 5:17-20

They came out of the prison, miraculously! The doors remained locked on their exit and they were not seen of the guards.  Surely in the early morning they were seen preaching the gospel to those in the temple.  Their miraculous escape was not only a marvel to the apostles themselves, but to the Sadducees and also the multitude in the temple who heard of the testimony.  This act was done for the greater benefit of all.

Further in the Book of Acts we read that Aeneas was laid up sick of the palsy for eight years.  

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.  There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.  So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. - Acts 9:32-35

His sickness prevailed until Peter came to him and healed him of his condition.  Again, the greater miracle was that all the people of Lydda and Saron who saw him healed got saved.  With one deliverance we see the Lord bringing a multitude to Himself.

Peter raises Dorcas from the dead

Another example was when Dorcas was raised from the dead in Acts 9:36-42. 

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

The greater miracle was that many in the region of Joppa believed on the Lord after hearing Dorcas’ testimony.

The Lord Jesus came to the earth and ministered for three years.  His death and resurrection was for the benefit of the whole of mankind.  His crucifixion and resurrection was purposed for the salvation of whosoever believed on the name of Jesus. 

Look at the woman at the well, when she met with Jesus in John chapter 4.  Her deliverance was not for her benefit only.  

She left her waterpot and told the whole city about Jesus

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” - John 4:39-42

As a result of this singular event God managed to bring almost the entire city of Samaria to Jesus. Again, the occurrence of one event, tailor made for the greater benefit of the multitude.

We can even see this in the Old Testament when God was dealing with the rebellious Jews in the Book of Numbers 16.  Even though the Israelites did not get it, the death of Korah and all those who died with him, served as a testimony to those who were witnesses, so as to bring the fear of God to them and to propel their obedience to God’s Word.  We may view the incident as tragic, but it was an event to bring the greater good.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is promoted

Joseph's brothers ill treated him, and he spent time in prison for a crime he didn't commit. However, the Book of Genesis records that he eventually was promoted to second in command to Pharaoh so that his family, the twelve tribes, could be fed in the time of the grievous famine.  This also served to bring restoration of himself and his family.

Your test will bring about your testimony

Similarly, you may be imprisoned at this present time by sin, sickness, poverty, low self esteem, addictions, trouble with children etc. This does not mark the end for you.  The Lord has a greater purpose for you even in your condition.  

If, when you go through your wildernesses, you would persevere with the Lord, you will see the greater good of the testimony when you overcome the very situations.  God does not allow bad events in your life because He wants to punish you or because He is evil.  He has a greater purpose for your testimony.  

 During your trying state keep your focus on the Lord, knowing that His thoughts toward you are always good so as to bring you to an expected end - Jeremiah 29:11.  Remember that God’s intent is always to draw men to Himself.  That is why He sent His Son Jesus.

God’s purpose for your life goes beyond what you can see at present.  When He delivers you, your testimony is designed to deliver others, but you must first be an overcomer. You cannot free anyone if you are bound yourself, and to be an overcomer you must have some things to overcome.  This is God’s method and He will not change.  The key is to stay in love with Jesus and keep your focus on Him in worship with the knowledge that He is always right.  In that place you will keep your peace and your joy, and thus gain the strength to go the distance while the problems exist.  In this way you will ultimately bring glory to the God of the heavens and the earth as He continues to work in and through you.  

 Glory to His Holy Name!