BIBLE READING:
MATTHEW 11:20-24
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
KEY VERSE:
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
Matthew 11:20
MEDITATION:
Where miracles are genuine and undeniable, they compel men to bow to the power of the Most High God. Jesus healed the sick, made the blind to see, the lame to walk, raised the dead and many more (Matthew 9:32-33; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 17:11-19; John 9:1-7; 11:38-44). Peter, Paul and other apostles performed miracles (Acts 3:1-10; 9:40; 20:9-12). While the miracles compelled many to surrender to God in repentance, some were enraged, mocked and intimidated Jesus and the apostles. Some looked for Jesus for miracles and food. There was no intention to give their hearts to Jesus. Jesus challenged the multitude in John 6:26-27 not to “labour for the meat which perisheth but for that meat which endureth into everlasting life.”
In our generation, many go to church because they crave for miracles, signs and wonders. They need the touch of the supernatural for miracles, but not to transform their lives. They are not ready to commit their hearts to Jesus. Little wonder the miracle centres and miracle workers are becoming very popular and sought after by many.
In today’s bible text, we read that Jesus Christ upbraided the Jewish towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because the mighty works which were done amongst them did not produce repentance. They saw miracles as an end and not as a means to an end. The goal of miracles is to draw people to the miracle worker, Jesus, in repentance.
Do you go after miracles without committing your heart to Jesus
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, please give me only miracles that will provoke my genuine repentance.