Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  NASB

When I ask the question, “Why Not Now?”  I sometimes get push-back from people saying, “Well, Jesus did miracles and the 1^st Century Church had miracles but once the Bible was completed all that ceased.”  They usually quote 1 Corinthians 13:10 as their proof-text to validate their contention. 

I agree that the Bible is complete and is the Inspired Word of God.  It is, in that sense, Perfect!  There will not be more Bible given.  Jesus was, truly, “the Perfect One” and the only person ‘born of woman’ who lived a sinless and perfect life qualifying Himself to be the propitiation for our sins.  He satisfied the demands of divine justice and the requirement of perfection to become our substitute and ‘buy us back’ from the domain of darkness. 

Some have argued that Jesus did what He did as God, therefore, we cannot expect to do what He did.  That flies in the face of His own words in John 14:12 where He specifically said, that believers would do the works He was doing and even greater works because.  Because of what?  Because He was going to the Father.  Remember His directive to the disciples and the followers as He ascended to heaven?  He said, “tarry in the city of Jerusalem until…”  Until what?  Until you are endued with Power which was the coming of the Holy Spirit.  He confirms that in John 14 and introduces the idea that we can be “as He is in this present world.”  That is confirmed by John in 1 John 4:17.

Therefore, if Jesus said we could do what He did and even greater works then “Why Not Now?”  If Jesus said, that we have authority over all the power of the enemy then, “Why Not Now?”  If as the apostles and biblical writers declared, we can be as He is in this present world then, “Why Not Now?”

1 Corinthians 13:10 says, “When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part will be done away.”  The ESV renders it, “When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”  There will be a time when the gifts of prophecy, healings, knowledge, wisdom, tongues, etc. will cease.  Is that now?  I believe not because it also says that ‘knowledge would cease’ and we know that knowledge has not ceased even though sometimes I wonder in dealing with people.

I believe that the Perfect is a reference to the Glorified State when All Things Are Completed and God sets up His eternal Kingdom.  You may disagree and that’s your choice.  However, if Jesus is the same as He once was and still saves today and if we are to do the works He did and greater works, and He healed the sick, delivered the bound, and gave guidance to the troubled, “Why Not Now?”

I call to mind the words of John in 1 John 3:2-3, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”  NASB.  

Jesus is God and God does not change.  Isaiah 59:1 declares, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; Neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear.” NASB.  Numbers 23:19, reminds us of God’s incredible declaration of Himself, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” NASB.  Isaiah 55:11 declares the incredible promises and revelation of God and His power, “So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”  NASB

I stand on 1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” NASB.  Likewise, Jesus’ Promise in John 14:14 is indelibly imprinted on my heart and mind, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” 

I fully believe that Jesus has never changed.  I believe that He still has the same power He once had.  I believe that believers, in the Power of the Holy Spirit and on the Authority of the Word of God are still “more than conquerors” through Jesus (Romans 8:37).  I believe that the Atonement is still fully in effect today, all of it!

Yes, I pray prayers that do not seem to be answered for healing and provision for myself and others from time to time.  Does that mean miracles have ceased?  Not in my view.  It could mean many things including me being guilty of asking amiss or not believing in my heart, or my timing parameters and schedule are not God’s.  I won’t stop praying for healing, deliverance, salvation, provision, guidance, direction, and for “the Kingdom to come and the Will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  My lack of seeing does not indicate the absence of availability.  The problem is not on God’s side, nor in His unwillingness. 

I cannot explain why on some things, but I still believe that the Bible is the Inspired Word of God and that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Therefore, I keep seeking Him and keep asking, “Why Not Now?”

I hope that I have challenged you to press into His presence a little more.  This devotional has convicted me more than I can detail, and I am more committed than ever to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.” I want the Atmosphere of Heaven in the present and want to allow the Spirit of God to develop the Culture of the Kingdom in me and my surroundings.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day He has made and given us to enjoy!