Signs!

In the twelfth chapter of Matthew we read…
“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, ‘Teacher, WE WISH TO SEE A SIGN FROM YOU.’” ( Matthew 12:38 ESV)

On more than one occasion Jewish leaders asked Jesus for A SIGN. Though they could not deny the miracles Jesus had already performed -- which were a true demonstration of His Divine power -- they still refused to accept Him as the Messiah. What possible sign could convince them?

Perhaps they needed a STOP SIGN for them to stop and consider their own attitude and heart condition that created their inability to be touched by the truth. (i.e. Mark 3:5) Maybe it was a YIELD SIGN that was needed to get their attention since they were apparently unwilling to yield and submit their lives to Jesus and thus to the Will of God. ( Matthew 16:24-25) Or possibly it was a SPEED LIMIT SIGN they needed to see to refrain them from rushing on ahead of God’s commands with their own. (note 2 John 9)

In Jesus’ response to their request for A SIGN we read…
“(39) But he answered them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks for A SIGN, but NO SIGN will be given to it EXCEPT THE SIGN OF THE PROPHET JONAH. (40) For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, SO WILL THE SON OF MAN BE THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE HEART OF THE EARTH.’” ( Matthew 12:39-40 ESV)

When Jesus rose from the dead, did they finally believe? Was that SIGN sufficient to finally gain their attention and direct their lives appropriately? What we find is a lie was proposed and a payoff made in an attempt to actually cover the truth of our Lord’s resurrection. ( Matthew 28:12-15)

The problem is not that more SIGNS were (or are) needed, but that the ones posted were often ignored. What God has already revealed should be seen as sufficient for us to believe, if we are willing!

As John wrote toward the end of His Gospel…
“(30) Now JESUS DID MANY OTHER SIGNS in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; (31) but THESE ARE WRITTEN SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” ( John 20:30-31 ESV)

Let us STOP and consider our own attitude and heart condition, be willing to YIELD more fully to the Lordship of Christ, and NOT SPEED on in pursuit of our own will. May we instead remain on the narrow road that leads to eternal life, accepting the adequacy of what God has revealed to guide our journey though life, so that we will ultimately arrive safely home with Him.

Have a great day APPRECIATING THE SUFFICIENCY OF WHAT GOD HAS REVEALED!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness