Scripture: Matthew 16:1-12 Click here for the reading
Observation: People demand a sign from Jesus that he and his ministry are from God. The request of a sign is nothing new. The demand for a sign is met with Jesus explanation of the weather. Which seems odd, but his point is that the signs of the times, his ministry, and revelations about the Kingdom Of God, are there to be received. As good as human knowledge is about some things, like the weather, we seem to remain in darkness about the knowledge of God.
Application: The issue of the knowledge of God is not about intellectual ability but about receptivity. How many times have you tried to figure out God? I remember going through a struggle with my head and heart abilities to comprehend the fullness of God and God's kingdom when I was in my 20's. It was painful and messy. And trying to demand a sign from God was met with this same type of resistance. The only (dis?)encouraging words came from my mother when she related some wisdom in trying to logic God into existence...."Son, sit back and enjoy the mystery." Her point and Jesus' point was to be open and receptive to the work of the Kingdom rather than try and figure it all out. This would include demanding signs.
Prayer: Lord open our hearts that we might receive your kingdom and see the signs you are already doing in our work and our world.
Application: The issue of the knowledge of God is not about intellectual ability but about receptivity. How many times have you tried to figure out God? I remember going through a struggle with my head and heart abilities to comprehend the fullness of God and God's kingdom when I was in my 20's. It was painful and messy. And trying to demand a sign from God was met with this same type of resistance. The only (dis?)encouraging words came from my mother when she related some wisdom in trying to logic God into existence...."Son, sit back and enjoy the mystery." Her point and Jesus' point was to be open and receptive to the work of the Kingdom rather than try and figure it all out. This would include demanding signs.
Prayer: Lord open our hearts that we might receive your kingdom and see the signs you are already doing in our work and our world.
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