Ever feel like you need a sign from God? The Pharisees and Sadducees (religious leaders of their day) felt that they did. They asked Jesus for a sign from heaven. Jesus said to them that they weren’t going to be given any other sign than the one they already had:
"When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." (Matthew 16.2-4)
I’ve been struggling lately with God’s direction for my life and ministry. I’ve wanted the Lord to give me a sign of some sort. But, when I read this, I prayed:
“Lord, I don’t need a sign. I will interpret the times in my life:
· I can be confident that it’s harvest time: Jesus you have said the fields are ripe for harvest…
· You have given me certain interest and strengths that will match the needs of the place where I will serve.
· My family is at a particular stage in life and I need to pay attention to where we are in this time.
· My faith tells me that God will be with me wherever I go as long as I am following him, so no job is too big nor is any place too small for me.
· My friends and ministry mentors give me direction and response based on what they see as signs in my own life and development.
· I have great confidence in what I am feeling within for the Bible says that I have the mind of Christ!
“Lord, help me not to misinterpret, for a red sky can mean storms or fair weather depending on the time of the day. I need all the information, but I can make decisions based on the times of my life for God gives me wisdom!”
Jesus refers to the sign of Jonah. He had already discussed this sign with the Pharisees and teachers of the law when they had previously demanded a sign from him (Matthew 12.38ff). At that time, Jesus had explained to them the sign of Jonah: Jonah was three days in the belly of a huge fish and the Son of Man will be three days in the heart of the earth. This, of course refers to the death and burial of Jesus, his cross. That sign to which Jesus refers reminded me of something I read long ago. Excuse me, for the paraphrase, but it went something like this: “Whenever I come to a fork in the road and have to choose between two ways, I try to choose the way upon which the shadow of the cross falls.” Dwell on that for a while.
Looking for a sign? Interpret the times and choose the way of the cross!
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2 comments:
so encouraging dad... it is so tempting and easy sometimes to "put God in a box" and expect or even demand certain things of Him in our own timing... including seeking a "sign" from Him... however, as you have pointed out from scripture... we have a lot of signs before us already. seems as if we should tackle those before dwelling on the "lack of direction" in other areas!
Emily Ruth, I have so much to tackle right in front of me that I sometimes wonder if I will ever get to turn the page to the next thing! But that's OK because I'm walking with God now. tomrrow will bring its own journey.
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