The Miracles We Don’t Appreciate

I was driving downtown looking at the Chicago skyline last night and I realized how majestic view outside my window truly was. When you think about what God has inspired men to do in this world you come to the realization, that in essence, these feats are God’s miracles in modern form. No, this isn’t the water and wine kind of miracle that Old Testament and Pre-crucifixion men needed to see in order to believe in the Messiah, yet they are miracles in their own right. They are the kind of miracles that God inspires through us to remind us that he is still here.

In the wake of recent tragedies such as severe hurricanes, flooding, fires, and earthquakes I wonder if God is trying to symbolically wake us up to realize we still need him. If you look at his Word you will find what Jesus says in the matter. When John the Baptist was in prison Jesus spoke about the judgment cities would face for not recognizing the miracles he performed.

Matthew 11:20-24 (The Message Bible)

20 Next Jesus let fly on the cities where he had worked the hardest but whose people had responded the least, shrugging their shoulders and going their own way.

21-24"Doom to you, Chorazin! Doom, Bethsaida! If Tyre and Sidon had seen half of the powerful miracles you have seen, they would have been on their knees in a minute. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you. And Capernaum! With all your peacock strutting, you are going to end up in the abyss. If the people of Sodom had had your chances, the city would still be around. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you."

It’s interesting to me that the cities Jesus accomplished the most in were the very ones who appreciated him the least. Think of America if you will. New York, Chicago, and Washington DC are all cities where in just taking into account the architecture you would have to realize that God truly inspires men to do great things. Miracles are still being performed daily. Take into account the great advances in science, medicine, and technology and how could you not be astounded by the brilliance of God. How often do we see it like that? What would a child in new Tafo, Ghana say if he woke up tomorrow and had a fully furnished house like yours erected in his village. Would he drop to his knees in a minute? What would an old woman working in fields of India say if she walked out her home to see a building as nice as the one you probably work in right in front of her. Do you look at the Washington Monument and say, “God you are truly awesome” or do you allow life’s routines paralyze you to the God-inspired beauty he’s created in this world. If so, what judgment does that hold for us on earth in His kingdom in Heaven?

God created so much beauty in this world. Some through us and some on his own yet we don’t appreciate his work. I’m trying to take more time to recognize his miracles daily and suggest you do as well.