Believe in Miracles, But Follow Jesus
by Eddie L. Hyatt

If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you saying, “Let us go after other gods”–which you have not known–“and let us serve them,” you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut. 13:1-2

Many in the charismatic movement today are being led away from Jesus, not by sex, booze and drugs, but by an unhealthy fascination with signs, wonders and miracles. For example, a young man shared with me about being in a meeting where miracles were being greatly publicized. He said that at one point the crowd began to chant over and over “Signs! Miracles! Signs! Miracles!” He said, “I felt grieved in my spirit.” He was also confused. Why did he feel grieved inside? Aren’t we supposed to desire miracles? I assured him that what he experienced was the Holy Spirit in him being grieved by this crowd’s unhealthy preoccupation and fascination with miracles. Jesus had been preempted by their self-centered desire to see a miracle.

This reminds me of Herod who was “exceedingly glad” to finally see Jesus when Pilate sent Him to him during His trial. Why was Herod “exceedingly glad” to see Jesus? It wasn’t because Herod wanted to know Him and His message. Luke 23:8 says, “He hoped to see some miracle done by Him.” Herod wanted to be entertained by a miracle. His interest in Jesus and miracles was centered in himself and his own egotistical desire.

Believers are not to follow signs; signs are to follow believers. Mk. 16:15 says, These signs shall follow (accompany) them that believe. Believers are to follow Jesus and let the signs follow where they will. The devil can perform signs (remember Pharaoh’s magicians) and if we are following signs we are headed for trouble. Here are some suggestions to help keep us on track:


Hello Brother Eddie:

Congratulations on your newsletter: "Believe in Miracles, but Follow Jesus." We are facing a real serious plague of superstition in the body of the charismatic pentecostal world. I am often embarrassed, shocked, ashamed, by the silly things people are doing and saying. Keep up the good work. We must let the world know that somebody, somewhere is being faithful to Gospel Redemption teaching.

Greetings to you both. You are special. The writings that both of you are offering to our world are of tremendous spiritual value.

Your special friend and co-worker with Christ,

T.L. Osborn