Movement, Momentum and Miracles

by Nathan Shaw

God whispered three words into my spirit—movement, momentum and miracles. This progression can be seen in the process of creation, the ministry of Jesus, and the ministry of the early church.

Movement

Everything starts with movement. In the beginning the Spirit of God moved on the chaotic waters (Genesis 1:2). At this point there was no created order—just chaos, and the Spirit of God moving. It’s an appropriate beginning. All good things start with one simple thing—movement.

The nation of Israel seemed powerless against a strongman who dominated and controlled so many of its citizens through sickness and demonic oppression. Firstly the movement of the Spirit came on Jesus. “When [Jesus] had been baptized, [He] came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:16-17). After this glorious encounter Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil (Matthew 4:1). By following the Spirit Jesus was moved into position for a direct confrontation with the devil. Movement led to confrontation, but as we shall see, it took more than movement to defeat the strongman.

A small group of believers seemed powerless to change the world. Jesus told them that they would receive the Promise of the Father, “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5). It’s amazing the difference a few days can make. Right on cue Holy Spirit turned up. There was wind, fire and new wine (Acts 2:1-2, 13). Plenty of movement, but still no harvest of souls.

Momentum

Let’s return to the scene of creation. As we observed, the Spirit of God moved on the chaotic waters. What happened next is significant: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3). Let’s pause the scene temporarily and notice what just happened: The spoken word added momentum to the movement of the Spirit. Now hold that thought because it’s extremely important.

When Jesus confronted the devil there was no doubt that the Spirit was with Him. Something more was needed however. Three times the devil tested Jesus. Three times Jesus responded with the spoken word (Matthew 4:1-10).

1. The devil: “Turn these stones to bread.”
   Jesus: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (quoting Deuteronomy 8:3).
2. The devil: “Throw Yourself down from the top of the temple.”
   Jesus: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (quoting Deuteronomy 6:16).
3. The devil: “Bow down and worship me.”
   Jesus: “Away from me Satan! Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (quoting Deuteronomy 6:13).

Jesus was affirmed by His Father and led by the Spirit, but it was only as He spoke the word of God boldly that Satan was defeated. The spoken word added momentum to the movement of the Spirit.

The day of Pentecost was powerful. One hundred and twenty believers were ambushed by the Spirit of God. It wasn’t until they spoke the word of God, however, that things really started to heat up. After being ambushed by the Spirit they boldly declared the wonderful works of God to the thousands of Jews gathered from the nations (Acts 2:5-11). Once again the momentum of the spoken word was added to the movement of the Spirit.

Miracles

Let’s turn one more time to creation and complete the scene. Firstly there was movement: the Spirit of God moved on the chaotic waters. Secondly there was momentum: God said, “Let there be light.” Thirdly, the miracle of creation happened: “and there was light.” This pattern was repeated until the whole created order came into being, including Adam and Eve.

Here’s how the pattern played out at Jesus’ baptism. Firstly the Spirit moved on Jesus and led Him into the wilderness to confront the devil (Matthew 3:16-4:1). Secondly the momentum of the spoken word defeated Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Thirdly Jesus stepped into a profound miracle ministry. Multitudes of Israelites were radically set free from sickness and demonic oppression (Matthew 4:23-25).

The same pattern played out on the day of Pentecost. Firstly the Spirit moved. Secondly the movement gained momentum as the hundred and twenty believers boldly proclaimed the wonderful works of God. Thirdly the miracle of harvest happened as Peter preached with great authority. Three thousand people were saved (Acts 2:1-41). Later when the church was challenged they prayed for even more boldness to speak God’s word (Acts 4:29). The result was even greater miracles (Acts 4:31, 5:12-16, 6:7).

A Momentum of Miracles

Genesis 1 outlines a radical governmental shift from chaos to order. The ministry of Jesus outlines a radical governmental shift from oppression to freedom. The ministry of the early church outlines a radical governmental shift from a small group of isolated believers to an empowered army of harvesters that shook cities and nations. After these shifts everything looked totally different. We are on the brink of another radical governmental shift in the earth. Each time the process starts with the movement of the Spirit, gains momentum through the authority of the spoken word, and ultimately brings about a momentum of miracles and a whole new order.

Miracles are a normal part of the Christian life. In Galatians 3:5 Paul makes it clear that God not only supplies us with the Spirit, but also works miracles among us. If you need a miracle, know this: The Spirit of God is always moving. As we learn to discern and co-operate with His movement we are led to add momentum through the spoken word. Miracles start flowing with ease. God is training an army of everyday people in the dynamics of movement, momentum and miracles. Sometimes the training can be intense, but rest assured, the outcome will be glorious, and no matter what, keep believing (John 11:40). This army will be used to shift people and situations, and even cities and nations, from chaos to order, oppression to freedom, and darkness to light.

© 2023 Nathan Shaw.

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The Healing Mandate for Our Times – Nathan Shaw
The Prominence of Healing on the Father's Heart – Nathan Shaw
Believing in Miracles is a Gift from God – Nathan Shaw

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