“One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. ” Then Jesus left them and went away.”
Matthew 16:1-4 NLT
Gideon had been chosen by God to liberate the Israelites from the Midianites. Given the context of the story, we can assume that Gideon had limited personal experience with the Lord. As such, Gideon felt that he wasn’t worthy to be the warrior God wanted him to be.
““But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.””
Judges 6:15-16 NLT
The Lord had already given Gideon a sign (the Angel of the Lord had caused Gideon’s offering to be consumed by fire), but Gideon was still unsure.
Gideon then asked the Lord for two more signs. The first of these two signs would be that a wool fleece placed on the threshing floor would be moist from the dew, with the surrounding dirt staying dry. The second sign would be that the wool fleece would remain dry, while the surrounding dirt would be wet.
The Lord performed both of these signs, convincing Gideon that he would be able to be the hero Israel needed to free them from the Midianite’s abuses.
Many of us can identify with struggling to believe something the Lord has already said. As well, many of us also know how wonderful it is when the Lord provides signs and wonders confirming what He has said.
Indeed, the Lord promised that signs and wonders would follow those who would believe the Good News of the Gospel.
“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.””
Mark 16:17-18 NLT
But notice, the signs FOLLOW those who already BELIEVE.
Now, the Lord in His patience and mercy, has given me so many confirming signs about His promises, that I am humbled.
However, when the Lord has clearly spoken concerning something, we should not withhold obedience until we get yet another sign. Indeed, the Lord’s word is His sign.
Further, as people who now have the Holy Spirit residing inside us, confirmation by the Holy Spirit in our spirit, should be enough.
In our opening scripture we see Jesus rebuking the religious leaders for their desire for a sign confirming His authority. This was actually at least the second time these people had asked that Jesus show a sign proving His authority to say the things He was saying.
Understand, the context here was that Jesus, even at that point, had already fulfilled so much old testament prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, that they, being students of the same, should have recognized who He was.
Indeed, Jesus knew that any further sign He would offer, wouldn’t change their minds. They had already decided that He did not fit into their agenda.
Child of God, let’s not be like the Pharisees, using the excuse that we haven’t seen enough signs to walk in obedience to what the Lord has already clearly spoken.
Let’s repent for always needing another sign. Let’s believe what God has said. Let’s be thankful when He does give us additional signs, but not require them to be obedient.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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