Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 2, 2020
As soon as Jesus landed, he was confronted by the Pharisees, who argued with Jesus and tested him. They demanded that he give them a miraculous sign from heaven. And with a deep sigh from his spirit, he said, “What drives this generation to clamor for a sign? Listen to the truth: there will absolutely be no sign given to this generation!” Then he turned and left them, got back into the boat, and crossed over to the opposite shore. Mark 8:11-13, TPT
Sometimes I argue with God, not realizing I am arguing with God. My need to be in control is me really saying to the Lord, “My faith is in how I manage my life, and I really don’t totally trust you, Jesus, to take care of me”. I test God when I don’t trust Him. I test Him when I want a sign that everything is going to be alright, as I define alright. Sadly, I sometimes demand for God to show me a random miracle on my terms, when every day is filled with divine deeds for me to enjoy. I loose the Lord’s favor when I argue about His timing in what’s best for me. Love trusts.
The troublesome Pharisees caused Jesus to sigh deeply within His spirit, not a good sign. This would have been their first real sign from the Lord, if they had been paying attention. The religious leaders need for ego gratification did not justify a response from Jesus to encourage their charade. Instead, the Lord called them out for trying to lord over Him their argumentative spirit and ill timed demand for a sign. They failed the test of testing God. Grieved, with a tinge of anger, Jesus made clear there would be no sign, and left them to be confounded by His boldness. Jesus is not present in power when those in power seek to use the Lord to further their agenda.
“After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, know that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (John 6:14-15).
Look around you for the signs of God’s love, and you will more readily bow to Him as King over your life. Be captivated by the sign of His joy in the sincere smile of a stranger. Experience the sign of His compassion in the caring prayers of your community. Luxuriate in His lavish love by the signs of His generous provision and His peaceful presence. Jesus shows up where His daily signs are evident and acknowledged with gratitude, giving Him glory. Gratitude to God prevents arguments with God. No need to test the Lord by needing a manufactured sign, just look around.
Do you approach your heavenly Father with humble, sincere prayers or demanding, disingenuous requests? A life fully alive is one full of the Spirit’s love with a genuine heart to learn more of the Lord’s ways each day. I am learning to let go of the need to be in control and trust Christ who gives calm in the middle of the storm. Who gives direction, if only the next step in His will. Better to walk with Jesus and learn from Him—-than to argue with Him when things don’t go our way, as we strive for another way. Miracles of grace are seen every day with eyes of faith!
“You have given miraculous signs to those who love you. As we follow you we fly the flag of truth, and all who love the truth will rally to it. Come to your beloved ones and gently draw us out. For Lord, you save those whom you love” (Psalm 60:4-5, TPT).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I celebrate your signs of love and salvation in my every day life, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can I point others to God’s signs of love for them?
Related Reading
Job 13:3, 8: Isaiah 43:25-26; Mark 6:5-6; Romans 15:17-19
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A life fully alive is one full of the Spirit’s love with a genuine heart to learn more of the Lord’s ways each day. #signs #wisdomhunters #truth #Jesus
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When did I start to argue with God? Why not change anything? I am in a mess and confused. Then I find a desire inside of me overwhelmingly, who thinks like me? I can’t stop asking the tough questions to myself, even the answers don’t exist.