1The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
2He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3and 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 4A 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)
Thoughts: The religious folks were asking for Jesus to confirm that he was the Messiah and had authority to teach and do what he does. They were looking for a sign like Samuel's thunder and rain in answer to prayer (1 Sam. 12:18), or Elijah's fire falling from heaven (1 Kgs. 18:38).
Jesus' reply was that if you see signs of bad weather you take shelter. But people could not interpret that if we stray away from God we invite His action and displeasure. A wicked and adulterous generation should know that God will act. Jesus was the chief prophet of his time that predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple (70 AD). The greatest sign that Jesus was telling the truth was the sign of Jonah (three days in the belly of the fish/death- then release). Jesus resurrection was the greatest sign that what He said was the truth and that people should listen. The problem is people who are wicked do not want to listen to holy and convicting words and adulterous people do not want to listen to words that say they should stay true and faithful.
In our day, many are concerned about global and environmental concerns. But they are not concerned about the eternal things of the soul. In America and the West we are facing a wicked and adulterous generation-- that elevates pleasure above life itself or helping neighbor. We do not need a sign from heaven that God cares about our evil. The scripture is the greatest sign and reminder that God cares.
Jesus' reply was that if you see signs of bad weather you take shelter. But people could not interpret that if we stray away from God we invite His action and displeasure. A wicked and adulterous generation should know that God will act. Jesus was the chief prophet of his time that predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple (70 AD). The greatest sign that Jesus was telling the truth was the sign of Jonah (three days in the belly of the fish/death- then release). Jesus resurrection was the greatest sign that what He said was the truth and that people should listen. The problem is people who are wicked do not want to listen to holy and convicting words and adulterous people do not want to listen to words that say they should stay true and faithful.
In our day, many are concerned about global and environmental concerns. But they are not concerned about the eternal things of the soul. In America and the West we are facing a wicked and adulterous generation-- that elevates pleasure above life itself or helping neighbor. We do not need a sign from heaven that God cares about our evil. The scripture is the greatest sign and reminder that God cares.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand I need the shelter of your love to envelope me in times like these. Help me to find my hope and joy in you- even in bad weather or bad times.
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