The concept of miraculous works commanded by God is a significant theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the divine authority and power bestowed upon chosen individuals to perform acts that transcend natural laws. These miraculous works serve as signs of God's presence, authority, and purpose, often confirming the message and mission of His servants.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, miraculous works are frequently commanded by God to demonstrate His power and to fulfill His covenantal promises. One of the earliest examples is found in the life of Moses. In Exodus 4:1-5, God commands Moses to perform signs to convince the Israelites of his divine commission: "Then the LORD said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A staff,' he replied. 'Throw it on the ground,' said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 'Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,' the LORD said to Moses. So he reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 'This is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.'"

Another significant instance is the parting of the Red Sea, commanded by God through Moses. In Exodus 14:16, God instructs Moses, "As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground." This miraculous event not only delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians but also demonstrated God's supreme power over creation.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, performs numerous miraculous works, often in response to the Father's will. These miracles authenticate His divine nature and His authority over all creation. In John 11:43-44, Jesus commands the dead to rise: "After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. 'Unwrap him and let him go,' Jesus told them."

The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, also perform miraculous works as commanded by Christ. In Acts 3:6-7, Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate: "But Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!' Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong."

Purpose and Significance

Miraculous works commanded by God serve multiple purposes. They confirm the divine authority of the messenger, authenticate the message being delivered, and often serve as a means of deliverance or judgment. These works are not performed for spectacle but are deeply rooted in God's redemptive plan and His desire to reveal Himself to humanity.

Throughout Scripture, miraculous works are a testament to God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the world. They remind believers of His power, faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.