Signs & a Repentant Heart

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “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. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” (Matt 11:20-24)

Verse 20 states something which causes my heart to ache.

He said, the towns where most of Jesus’ miracles occurred did not repent....

We assume that miracles would soften the human heart to listen and yield to God.

But it didn’t in Jesus’ day so why would we think differently today?

It seems the miracles soften the heart of those who are healed, but not the observers.

Why? Are we too self centred to consider His strength and majesty applicable to us as well?

Or is it that our hearts are still hardened as observers?

Or do we fear having to change?

Or do we consider ourselves “worthy” because miracles are happening in our midst therefore there is no need to repent?

Why is the human heart so resistant to eternal truths and the need to repent?

So, what softens the heart of man that he leads to repentance?

It seems it does not depend upon signs or state of health or state of our circumstances. Only the Holy Spirit of God descending upon us can soften this human heart.

This is my constant prayer - “Lord, soften my heart so I may see and be healed. Lord, soften the heart of (their name) so they might see and be healed. Open our spiritual ears that we may hear and accept. Open our spiritual eyes that we may see the Truth and be set free. Amen.”