He sighed from the depth of His Spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
MARK 8:12
Why seek a sign when you have the Word. The Bible is the truth and the best guide you ever heard. Why seek a sign when you have the Spirit. The Comforter is with you to help you and to cheer it. Why seek a sign when you have the Son. The Savior is your friend, the one who loves you tons. Why seek a sign when you have the Father. The Creator is your source, the one who knows you better. Why seek a sign when you have the faith. The gift of God is precious, the one that makes you safe.
Jesus is the sign that God loves us so. He came to earth as a child to teach us how to grow. Jesus is the sign that God forgives our sins. He died upon the cross to give us a new begin. Jesus is the sign that God is always near. He rose from the dead to fill us with His cheer. Jesus is the sign that God has a plan for us. He ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us. Jesus is the sign that God will come again. He will return in glory to reign as King of kings.
11 The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore. (Mark 8:11-13)
God gives wisdom to all generously and ungrudgingly. He does not withhold His insight from anyone who asks. He does not judge or criticize or mock or scorn or blast. He shares His understanding with those who seek His will. He guides and teaches and enlightens and inspires and fills. He offers His perspective to those who want to learn. He reveals and clarifies and simplifies and confirms. He grants His knowledge to those who love and fear Him. He blesses and rewards and honors and praises and crowns.
Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials for they are the tests of your faith and perseverance. They are the opportunities to grow and mature in Christ. They are the challenges that make you stronger and wiser. They are the means of your sanctification and transformation, the tools that God uses to shape and mold you, the fire that purifies and refines you. They are the proofs of your love and devotion, the expressions of your trust and dependence, the sacrifices that please and honor God.
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. 6 But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways. 9 The brother in lowly circumstances should take pride in his high standing, 10 and the rich one in his lowliness, for he will pass away “like the flower of the field.” 11 For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass, its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes. So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits. (James 1:1-11)
God's kindness comforts you according to His promise to His servants. He does not forget or forsake or abandon or neglect you. He remembers and cares and supports and protects you. He does not leave you alone or helpless or hopeless or fearful. He stays with you and helps you and gives you hope and courage. He does not let you suffer or grieve or despair or perish. He comforts you and heals you and restores you and saves you.
It is good for you that you have been afflicted, that you may learn His statutes for they are the words of life and wisdom and grace, the instructions of God and His ways. They are the light of truth and righteousness and peace, the guidance of God and His will. They are the joy of love and faithfulness and hope, the promises of God and His plan.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I hold to your promise. 68 You are good and bountiful; teach me your statutes. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 75 I know, O Lord, that your ordinances are just, and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. (Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76)
Lord Jesus, You are the one true sign that God the Father lovers us so. Please guide me and direct my ways so that I will never go astray. Give me the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to see in You the lessons of the past, the realities of the present, and the hope for a bright future and tomorrow. Thank You so much for giving me peace and joy despite the afflictions, trials, and challenges that have come my way. Truly, there is no one I can trust and depend except You who holds my faith and destiny. All glory, honor, and praise are Yours now and forever. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE DEMAND FOR A SIGN
Mark 8:11-13
II: The Value of Trials and Temptation
PERSEVERANCE IN TRIAL
James 1:1-11
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER
Psalm 119:1-176
Reflection Source:
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