“Ordinary miracles on earth come from heaven with extraordinary love and beauty!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 19, 2022
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:11
Wendell Berry, novelist, poet, essayist and Kentucky farmer said this about miracles, “The miraculous is not the extraordinary but the common mode of existence. It is our daily bread.” He says that Jesus’ turning of water into wine was “a very small miracle.” He adds, “We forget the greater and still continuing miracle by which water (and soil and sunlight) is turned into grapes.” I like Wendell’s reminder that God is at work (miraculously), all around us—if we take the time to notice in worshipful awe. The birth of a baby, or puppy, calf, robin or salmon. The life and death of vibrant fall vegetation followed by a dormant (life nurturing) winter with the resurrection of dazzling colors of life in the spring. Ordinary miracles of our extraordinary God!
Jesus’ famous first miracle of turning water into wine was followed by the wish of the one whose motherly love, brought out the best of His loving response. Jesus honored His mom and, in the process, gave greater honor and glory to His heavenly Father. His interruption of the ordinary process and growing grapes and making wine, caused His ordinary disciples to believe in Him and become extraordinary followers—a flame for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ordinary miracles of everyday life are enough evidence for God to give life to all who would believe. To Berry’s point, the act of a unique miracle is dwarfed by the continual, greater, ordinary miracles.
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14).
C.S. Lewis in his book on Miracles, makes the point of how we can easily take for granted the Lord’s miraculous work around us, “I contend that in all these miracles alike the incarnate God does suddenly and locally something that God has done or will do in general. Each miracle writes for us in small letters something that God has already written, or will write, in letters almost too large to be noticed, across the whole canvas of nature.” God’s canvas of nature, can be taken for granted. Much like a portrait on a fireplace mantel. Over time it blends in unnoticed. Only a gaze with fresh eyes can appreciate the genius behind the display of beauty. Ordinary miracles patiently wait for our hearts to be captivated in worshipful gratitude to our Creator.
Do you take notice of the love of God all around you? Be intentional to not rush around looking for miraculous signs, when a “million” ordinary miracles already encircle you. What may seem like luck or coincidence, may very well be the work of God’s grace behind the scenes. A job opportunity, relational healing, physical wholeness, favor with an enemy or sound sleep. Gaze into the canvas of God’s creation: the small insect, the hovering hummingbird, the sprout of a seed, a hug of comfort, an answered prayer for peace, a listening friend, a tear of grief, a healing belly laugh. Ordinary miracles on earth come from heaven with extraordinary love and beauty!
“I look up at the vast size of the mountains—from where will my help come in times of trouble? The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. He holds you firmly in place; He will not let you fall. He who keeps you will never take His eyes off you and never drift off to sleep” (Psalm 121:1-3, VOICE).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, moment by moment give me eyes of faith to see your works all around me, miraculous activities generated by your grace, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What ordinary miracles do I need to regularly recognize as a work of the Lord who deserves my gratitude, praise and worship?
Related Reading
Isaiah 5:12; Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 13:21; Philippians 1:6
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship & Maverick City: Million Little Miracles
Sarah McLachlan: Ordinary Miracle
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