Lord Give Me a Sign!
Jesus was challenged by the religious leaders to give them a sign that could validate his claims to be the Messiah. But Jesus knew their wicked hearts – “He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!'” (Matthew 12:39, NIV)
The religious leaders had evil intent towards Jesus and even if he would have given them a sign, they would have used it against him in some way. Remember when Jesus cast out demons from people freeing them from torment and illness, what did the religious leaders say? “But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,’”’ (Luke 11:15, ESV)
Often times we look for signs that there is a God. Yet, there are literally signs all around us. God shows us evidence of his creative power through the balance and order of creation itself. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20, NIV)
How many times have you prayed to God a prayer like this – “Lord I am so desperate. I am so depressed. I don’t feel like living. Show me that you are there. Show me that you love me.” – and then, God answers. Perhaps a friend calls to encourage you. Or a random stranger walks up and asks if you need prayer. Or you get a check in the mail that covers the exact amount to help pay the bill that was stressing you out.
There’s an ironic story I heard about a man who is drowning at sea.
He calls out, “Lord, please help me. Save me from drowning!”. Within a few minutes a rescue boat finds him. The men on the boat shout, “Grab ahold of the life preserver!”
The drowning man responds, “No! I’m waiting for God to save me. I have faith in God!”
The men on the boat leave.
Then a person on a jet ski arrives. He says, “Hey friend, just grab my hand. I can take us back to shore on my jet ski”.
The drowning man responds, “No! I’m waiting for God to save me. I have faith in God!”
The man on the jet ski leaves.
Then a person flying in a Helicopter hovers over the man. He says with a megaphone, “I’ll drop a rope ladder down to you. Just grab on and we’ll pull you up!”
The drowning man responds, “No! I’m waiting for God to save me. I have faith in God!”
The men in the helicopter leave.
The drowning man eventually drowns. He goes to heaven and asks God why he didn’t save him.
God replied, “I tried to save you. I sent the men on the boat, the man on the jet ski, and the men in the helicopter, but you wouldn’t accept my help.”
Too often we expect only the supernatural intervention to be a sign from God – a dramatic healing that stuns doctors, a change in the path of the tornado to spare your house, or a job that comes out of no where after months of unemployment. But these are the exceptions.
There are signs all around us.
We have heard testimonies of those who have seen our “Jesus Loves You!” signs on the streets in our town, at college campuses, and other community events. We’ve heard stories of salvation and recommitment to follow Jesus. My encouragement to you today is to look for all of the signs that are clearly evident in your life today. God loves you and he sees you and is always speaking to you if you will only look and listen!
This video shows a small sampling of the signs of God’s love that we have shared with our community. God loves you! Do you see the signs?
Music credit: DMX – “Lord give me a sign!”
