Signs and Wonders

 

Struggling to believe…

S - Scripture

1 and the pharisees and sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “when it is evening, you say, ‘it will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 and in the morning, ‘it will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ you know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of jonah.” so he left them and departed. ~matthew 16:1-4~

O - Observation

deciphering weather is something many who enjoy ocean activities must be familiar with. lowering, rising, and receding tides, wind direction and speed, storm activity, etc., all has a direct effect on how your day outside is likely going to be. not knowing, and paying attention to, can have serious consequences - even life altering and threatening.

as with weather reports and warnings, especially during hurricane season or when a tsunami is potentially on its way, regardless of how many times the news, government officials, police/fire, and civil defense tells everyone to seek higher ground, inevitably you get a few idiots who choose not to listen and go down to the ocean to “check it out.” while we have escaped a few big wind/water storms over the past couple decades, it is only a matter of time that one does come blowing through and lives will be lost because they believe nothing will happen.

with regards to signs: let’s begin with the 2 parties who are asking Jesus to perform a sign - the sadducees and pharisees; slight backdrop of these to jewish sects:

sadducees - believes that there was nothing after death: no “heavenly beings” (angels), no spiritual afterlife, and definitely no resurrection

pharisees - believes definitely that there is life after death and that resurrection was real

both of groups likely had seen or at least heard of the miracles that Jesus performed in the chapters before this. here are a few:

  • blind men who received their sight (matthew 9:27-31)

  • man cleansed of leprosy - a severe and contagious skin disease (in the old testament), and a disease of the nervous system according to modern medicine; this is mentioned several dozen times (matthew 8:1-4)

  • feeds thousands with very little to start with - though it only references women and children, i am guessing men were there too as the number was 5000, and the number of people would likely be higher (matthew 14:13-21)

  • heals demon-possessed girl (matthew 15:21-28)

as shared above, one of these two sects already had no belief in anything after death, and certainly that the only God-able sign, resurrection of the dead, was even a real thing. while Jesus had all power and authority to heal and give life, the people who needed it or could have been blessed by our Lord did not get it because of their lack of faith (mark 6:5-6).

from BibleHub.com:

The term "unbelief" highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels, where faith is a prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of Jesus' power and blessings.

The prevailing attitude among the people of Nazareth, which hindered Jesus from performing many miracles. This unbelief is a significant theme, highlighting the importance of faith in receiving God's works.

Unbelief not only limits what God can do in our lives but also reflects a heart that is closed to His truth and grace. We must guard against skepticism and cultivate a heart of trust.

any one of the miracles shared above and the others throughout the gospels should have been enough for any of these two groups to be astounded and want to know more of the one who performed it. but like most, including myself previously, when it comes to something “unbelievable,” that was not enough for them to want to seek and know the truth. instead, the need for “more” - information, evidence, proof, demonstrations to prove it again and again in order for their minds to change. what is really missing is the heart component which is what was causing them to not believe.

A - Application

when you have learned enough to know what you can expect when a certain situation occurs (kona winds, hurricane, or whatever) over and over again, you should take that lesson and imprint it into your brain what is likely to happen when it does. this way you can’t say you didn’t know when rain starts to pour in the south facing side of your house when kona lows come blowing through; everyone’s running for safety while you stand around staring aimlessly while watching the tide recedes quickly and sirens blaring; if you know, use that knowledge, that information to build on a foundation that should carry you in times of struggles, life challenges, breakdowns (mental, emotional), and it will serve you and your family well.

P - Prayer

thank you Heavenly Father for helping me through your Holy Spirit when i do lack faith or do not do what i know to be right and true. i am grateful for guiding my family when those times happen and you help us get back on track. in Jesus’ mighty name i pray, amen!