Tuesday 01 April 2008
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was for three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth". (v.39-40)
Background
The scribes and Pharisees are asking for a sign. But Jesusreplies that no sign will be given except the "sign of the prophetJonah". As Jonah spent three days and nights in the "sea monster"and rose again, so Jesus will be resurrected. And this, Jesus'death and resurrection, is the only sign we will be given.
In a world full of insecurity and doubt we want to know that'everything will be alright'. Sometimes we think that if only Godwould give us a sign that we are on the right track - that God iswith us - we would feel safe.
But Jesus says that we are not to expect miraculous signs to keepour faith alive. The empty cross is our sign - the once and for allguarantee of our forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
There can be no greater sign.
Sometimes God does give signs to those who need them. Butsometimes, certain Christian lives are lived out without anyfeelings of comfort and assurance.
Perhaps, in this way, God tests faith so that it can grow instrength, leaving it to stand unsupported by signs and comforts,like a child taking its first steps. But, in this testing, God isstill present with us.
To Ponder
Have you ever asked for a sign from God? Whatcaused you to make such a request? What was God's response?
Are there periods in your life when you have feltas if God has abandoned you? With hindsight, how do you see thattime now?