Thursday, September 6, 2007
Daily QT: 09/06/2007 Mark 8:11-13
11The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." 13Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
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4 comments:
Interesting, because Jesus had been showing miraculous signs all throughout his ministry. The Pharisees had seen them, but they requested more - not out of need, but as a means of testing.
God is merciful to our heartfelt prayers but he has no patience for games. He is not our puppet or our pet. He doesn't perform on command. The arrogance of the Pharisees, and of ourselves when we act this way, is not only outrageous and ridiculous but also deeply, deeply wrong.
11(A)The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, (B)seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. 12(C)Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, (D)no sign will be given to this generation." 13Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side. (Mark 8:11-13 - NASB)
I wonder how much Jesus must be sighing deeply in His spirit, as I seek Him in my prayers.... Most of the time, my prayer requests are: "God, do this for me, do that for me....," really testing Him and His patience. I earnestly pray that I will not seek Him only to have my personal wishes fulfilled. But I pray that I can sincerely love Him with all my heart.
Like these self-righteous, upstanding, "good" citizens of the day, I too ask for signs in my life today. My prayers, too are often, "Lord, if u really do love me, then show me___ or give me ___." Especially when I'm in a grumbling mood, I practically treat Him as means to an end which I desire. He Himself must be an end, the goal, the very treasure in life. While I doubt that that is taking place, I want to realign my life that I may strive to desire and have Him as an end in itself. He sent His son Jesus. He died for my sins (the depths of which I have not seen the ends..) on the cross. Now through Him, God tells me that my name is written in the book of life. What more do I need to see that I am loved? And that, more than I can ever imagine. His love fills the deepest needs and longings in my life. Let's not ask for signs which are really questions in disguise asking for things that which only God can satisfy. May God be glorified somehow through my life. Amen.
Indeed testing God is big no no. Even satan tried to tempt Jesus in testing God. I think these people needed to be still and know that he is God.
It is sad that they didn't know the Holy Spirit to ask for guidance. We are truly blessed that we know and have the Holy Spirit with us.
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