Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. [Matthew 11.20]
This verse and the passage of its context are a bit of a two-edged sword for us today. On one hand, those who enjoyed God's miracles did not repent. And then, on the other hand, as it applies to us today, where are God's miracles?
Based on what the world sees of the western Church today, it certainly won't be "miracles" that cause them to fear God, repent and turn to Him!
The power of miracles goes far beyond the obvious "healing" or "walking on water." Miracles should inspire repentance. But, there's hardly any repentance to be inspired when there are no miracles.
The apostle Paul had something to say about the powerless Church in his second letter to Timothy:
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3.5]
What should the Church do? Peter wrote this in his first letter:
For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? [1 Peter 4.17]
The Church should repent and turn to God AND DO THE WORKS OF JESUS so the world will be drawn to repentance!
The Church today should think long and hard about this subject. Where are the miracles and preaching of the Good News that pave the way for repentance? The parable of the talents comes to mind...
Father, there is little more to be said on this matter. We, Your people, are grossly insufficient in the miracle department and consequently not cultivating repentance in the world. Forgive me for this deficiency. Forgive Your people for their powerlessness.
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