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Seeing but not Believing

Matthew 11:20-22
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 'Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. (NIVUK)

There is an expression in English which says, "Seeing is believing". Interestingly it comes from Jesus' words to doubting Thomas who only believed because he had seen (John 20:29). Jesus went on to say that there is a greater blessing to people who believe the Word of God even though they have not seen. So what then of the people who saw Jesus' miracles? Did they believe? Obviously most did not.
 
Jesus came to His own people but they refused to believe in Him (John 1:11). Jesus condemned those communities for failing to repent and turn to Him. The pagan communities on the coast were more open to the truth; and had Jesus ministered there, He predicted that they would have shown great grief for their sin.
 
The miracles, like every sign from God, only have real meaning when people accept their own smallness compared to God's awesome greatness; and their own sinfulness compared to God's awesome holiness. That is why the miracles should be accompanied by gospel words to explain the meaning of the signs. To benefit from the miracles and hear gospel words, yet fail to repent - is spiritual blindness. They have not understood (seen) who Jesus is and why repentance is the only way forward.
 
It is easy to develop a religious style of Christian faith, where we do the things expected of us, but fail to see ourselves as God does - and fail to repent. Repentance is the only way forwards, not just for now (in our relationship with the Lord) but for eternity, as we anticipate the Day of Judgement. So consider those areas in your life where you have accepted a sin as being normal or even justified. Repent today and rejoice tomorrow. Those who pretend that all is well, when it is not, and rejoice today, will have no opportunity to repent tomorrow.

Prayer 
Almighty and awesome God. Thank You for enabling me to believe Your Word and to receive Jesus. Thank You for the signs of Your love to me. I am sorry for the times when I have been glad to receive miracles from Your hand but have treated them selfishly, not giving You thanks or repenting of my sin. Please help me to see my life as You see it, recognising sins and bringing them to You that You may be glorified and I may start to change. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams