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:

• Remember that Jesus is the source of true and genuine miracles, so seek Him.
• Remember that a miracle is not an end in itself--to be sought for its own value. Its only value is in brining glory to Jesus and helping someone in need.
• Remember that the primary purpose of miracles is to honor and exalt the name of Jesus, not build up a preacher, church or ministry.
• Don’t follow signs. Follow Jesus and let the signs follow you.
• Beware of those who would nurture an unhealthy fascination with miracles instead of a closer, more intimate walk with Jesus.
• Avoid the Herod mentality that wants to be entertained by a miracle in much the same way that people pay to be entertained by a magician.
• Believe in miracles, but follow Jesus