my christmas miracle(s)

I was reading the passage in exodus where Moses, with the Lord’s power, begins performing a series of miracles in an effort to convince the Pharaoh to release the Hebrews from bondage… I noticed something that, as usual, I missed the first time I approached this text. For the first several miracles, even though they are clearly achieved by God enabling Moses (and Aaron), the “sorcerers and magicians” of the Pharaoh are able to replicate the same results.

For instance:

“So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land. But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.”

The somewhat predictable result is that wonder of God’s first few miracles are lost on the Pharaoh and “he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses.” It isn’t until God produces a series of increasingly complex miracles that the magi can’t replicate that anyone dares to point the Pharaoh to the inevitable conclusion that “’This is the finger of God.’” Of course, even this interpretation is wrong, because it was the finger of God the WHOLE time, not just in that singular instance… After a series of refusals, the Pharaoh eventually cedes to the sovereign demands of God to release the Hebrews (though we all know he quickly changes his mind on this).

What struck me as I read this was how often am I just like the Pharaoh and the Magi? How often am I witnessing the daily miracle of God and assuming that it’s from my own power or human power?
Sadly, I know the answer. It’s all the time.

It is only in moments of extreme stress or circumstance that God’s miracles become apparent to me. Of course, He is REALLY with me all the time; daily performing miracles... In fact, given how corrupt my heart is, it’s a miracle that I don’t get into even worse trouble than I do. God is constantly saving me from situations where he knows I would fall short… and yet I consistently pat myself on the back for my “self-discipline” when I should instead be praising the “finger of God.”

Lord, I pray that you would help me to be more aware, more present in being a witness to ALL of your miracles. I know I want to take them for granted, assume that all is being done under my own power, but help me recognize that your benevolent hand is with me each day and in each moment. Help me to be mindful and grateful – aware of your awesome life-giving power and wonderful love for your creation, despite its persistently malfunctioning heart. Praise God.

CPP