A Sign from Heaven

Scripture: The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “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 sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. Matthew 16:1-4

Observation: The skeptics surrounding Jesus ask for something he has already done - a sign of his sovereignty. He responds by calling them wicked and adulterous, stating that he will provide a sign of his choosing, but also pointing out that - effectively - the signs already exists. They know how to read signs, like judging the weather, yet they are ignoring the signs Jesus has already shown them.

Application: I need to rethink some of my recent prayers, asking for God to show signs - to reveal himself - to nonbelievers.

The idea of signs and wonders in complicated. God often provides them, yet he rarely responds to an appeal for a sign. This was true in the Bible, true of Jesus, and is true today. God will miraculously cure a person of a disease, then is silent to a direct request. I think there are three issues at work.

First, God responds to faith and prayer. While that can take many forms, including desperation, he is reticent to simply demonstrate a sign to cynical nonbelievers, and more so when the request is a challenge instead of a plea.

Second, God responds to need. While he is all powerful, his glory is found in his love. Love is expressed through kindness, often provided to offer aid and assistance. As Paul says, love doesn't boast ... it isn't used to show off. God would rather show up and help us than simply perform for our friends.

Third, in a general context, God has already provided amazing signs: All of life, natural wonders and creation, the resurrection of his son, prophetic insights proven true. If people don't believe all that, then that isn't his fault.

These are contexts I need to keep in mind when praying for "signs" in order to aid my nonbelieving friends. I especially want to ensure my faith is strong, that my prayers are aligned to God's will, that requests are consistent with needs of others, and that I have already given God glory for all other elements of the world.

Prayer: Lord, I see your wonder all around me ... but others don't. They see a series of million-to-one random events. I prayer, first and foremost, that others do begin to see your hand - your intelligent design for lack of a better term - in the universe, the earth, the seas, the mountains, the sunsets. And as your will allows, my you reveal yourself to others, in your way and your time. Amen.