Why results matter.
Results matter first of all because Jesus said so. He told the Jews even if you cannot comprehend the concept of I in the Father and the Father in me the works that I do demonstrate my unity with the Father.
John 14:11
“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.”
Some may quickly say that the devil also does “miraculous” things so we shouldn’t emphasize results but to them I say if we allow satan alone to produce results he will win the world while we will be left holding the bag and theologizing the scriptures.
Understand this, the world will follow results. It is therefore important to produce that which will supersede the devil’s own just as Moses threw down his rod in order to demonstrate the superiority of God’s power and by that swallowed up the rods of the magicians.
Imagine if all Moses was saying was do not mind them their rods are evil God is with us. Yes that will have been correct but will it have been effective in winning the world? Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night and from his conversation with Jesus we got “you must be born again” was drawn because of the results he saw. He simply said no man can do these things that thou doest except God be with him. Results simply make people pay attention to what is being said.
Acts 8:6
“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”
Those who have been once in the faith and have erred or now murmur against doctrine will learn and come to understanding when they see unprecedented things happening visible to them. This also leads to the fear and worship of God.
Isaiah 29:23-24
23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.
24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
You say John the Baptist did no miracle yes but his ministry was not void of power for we saw multitudes flocking to him. That is fruitfulness and results. For people to troop out into the wilderness in great multitudes not to hear a nice affirming sermon but to be rebuked requires divine power in action.
We must not let the spirit of Cain which seems to be sipping in take a hold of our hearts. We also can do great things if we will simply pray “That which I see not teach thou me” knowing as God said “If thou doest well will thou not be accepted”