April 21, 2015
Just one undeniable indicator and encounter. One conclusive bit of evidence would forever settle the issue of faith, and dispel doubt. At least that’s how the reasoning goes. But, a sure sign is apparently no guarantee.
"The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied to them, 'When it is evening, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' And in the morning, `There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.’ And He left them and went away." (Matthew 16:1-4)
The sign sought by the religious leaders wasn’t for the purpose of confirming fundamental faith; it was something to dispel their doubt. Already steeped in cynicism, they wanted a sign to change their mind. In essence, it was an I-dare-you-to-make-me-believe sign.
If signs could guarantee faith, the chosen of God Jewish nation ought to be the most resolute. Their heritage included miraculous manna for food, the visible presence of YHWH God in the form of a cloud and fire, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, and countless miracles and signs through the prophets. Signs were in abundance, but their legacy today is to exist as an unbelieving people who have rejected Jesus as Messiah.
The old saying, “Seeing is believing,” isn’t quite right. Truth is, “Believing is seeing.” Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Signs don’t lead to faith sight.
Like nearly every believer, I’ve longed at times for some convincing sign. Just let Jesus physically materialize in a room for a moment. Miraculously alter something physical right before my eyes. Speak to me with an audible voice. Truth is, to long for such things is to taunt and test my Father, rather than to accept and believe what He’s already revealed.
The sign of Jonah is proof enough. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is all the proof needed. If the pulsing Spirit within isn’t enough evidence of the resurrection and presence of Christ, nothing else will be either. If I don’t believe the sign already given, I won’t believe any additional signs.
Let’s settle the issue in our lives. God has raised Jesus from the dead. He is seated victoriously at the Father’s right hand. He has received and poured out Holy Spirit in the lives of His people as the medium of His convincing presence. He is working out the kingdom agenda within and through us. He is coming back victoriously very soon. So, let’s confidently move forward in faith today, participating in all He wants to do through us.
May the walk of faith be an exciting and rewarding adventure today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
"The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied to them, 'When it is evening, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' And in the morning, `There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.’ And He left them and went away." (Matthew 16:1-4)
The sign sought by the religious leaders wasn’t for the purpose of confirming fundamental faith; it was something to dispel their doubt. Already steeped in cynicism, they wanted a sign to change their mind. In essence, it was an I-dare-you-to-make-me-believe sign.
If signs could guarantee faith, the chosen of God Jewish nation ought to be the most resolute. Their heritage included miraculous manna for food, the visible presence of YHWH God in the form of a cloud and fire, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, and countless miracles and signs through the prophets. Signs were in abundance, but their legacy today is to exist as an unbelieving people who have rejected Jesus as Messiah.
The old saying, “Seeing is believing,” isn’t quite right. Truth is, “Believing is seeing.” Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Signs don’t lead to faith sight.
Like nearly every believer, I’ve longed at times for some convincing sign. Just let Jesus physically materialize in a room for a moment. Miraculously alter something physical right before my eyes. Speak to me with an audible voice. Truth is, to long for such things is to taunt and test my Father, rather than to accept and believe what He’s already revealed.
The sign of Jonah is proof enough. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is all the proof needed. If the pulsing Spirit within isn’t enough evidence of the resurrection and presence of Christ, nothing else will be either. If I don’t believe the sign already given, I won’t believe any additional signs.
Let’s settle the issue in our lives. God has raised Jesus from the dead. He is seated victoriously at the Father’s right hand. He has received and poured out Holy Spirit in the lives of His people as the medium of His convincing presence. He is working out the kingdom agenda within and through us. He is coming back victoriously very soon. So, let’s confidently move forward in faith today, participating in all He wants to do through us.
May the walk of faith be an exciting and rewarding adventure today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:04 AM
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