8-31-25// SOMETIMES WITH, AND SOMETIMES WITHOUT MEANS

SOMETIMES WITH, AND SOMETIMES WITHOUT MEANS

 The idea of God working "sometimes with, and sometimes without means" is a theological concept that addresses how divine providence and miracles interact with the natural world. "Means" refers to the natural tools, agents, or processes God uses to bring about his will. "Without means" refers to extraordinary, miraculous events where God acts directly, bypassing natural law. 

Here are scriptures and biblical themes that explore both methods.

God working with means

·       Human agency and labor: The book of Ecclesiastes describes how people work and toil, but that without God, their labor is meaningless. This implies that when people work with God, their labor has purpose.

·       The wisdom of Solomon: King Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, received his wisdom directly from God. He then applied this wisdom to govern Israel, build the Temple, and write books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, all of which became means for God to instruct his people.

·       Paul's mission: The apostle Paul's evangelism is a prime example of God working through human means. Though his ministry was filled with supernatural events, it relied heavily on Paul's tireless labor, sleepless nights, and physical hardships.

2 Cor 11:23-29 Are they servants of Christ? — I speak as if insane — I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.  25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

·       Medical healing: The Book of James encourages the use of anointing oil for the sick, along with prayer. While the healing is ultimately from God, the anointing with oil is a tangible, physical means. 

James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick?

God working without means

Miracles and supernatural interventions are times when God chooses to act directly, outside of or in defiance of the natural order.

·       The creation of the universe: In John 1:3, the scripture states that "Through him all things were made, and without him nothing was made that has been made." This verse highlights God's power to create everything from nothing—an ultimate act without means.

·       Jesus's miracles: The Gospels are filled with instances of Jesus acting without means.

o   Feeding the multitude: The miracle of feeding thousands of people with only a few loaves and fish was an act that defied the natural limitations of food supply (Matthew 14:13–21).

o   Raising the dead: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he demonstrated a power over life and death that is beyond human or natural means (John 11:38–44).

Calming the storm:Jesus calmed a raging storm with a single command, an act of supernatural control over the natural world (Mark 4:35–41).