Today’s scripture: Matthew 16:1-4 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Penny Dean):
Life would be so much easier if we had huge flashing neon signs to point the way: Don’t go there! Turn around! Move!
Wrestling with indecision, we plead with God to show us the way when all the while God is whispering to us softly, “Trust me, follow me.” Or maybe God gives us a gentle nudge or a feeling that something isn’t right. And we don’t always listen.
I struggled to find a job after graduating from college. I wanted to be a paralegal, but had no experience. Finally, after months of job-hunting, the only lawyer in my hometown agreed to interview me. When I reached his office, I knew I should turn around and leave. It was decorated in rummage sale leftovers and there were no clients nor hum of activity. But I believed I was desperate so I went through the interview. He hired me on the spot and the next year and a half was educational — but not the way I had envisioned. In the end, I took two part-time jobs to escape that dreary little office which he closed shortly afterward.
Had there been a huge flashing neon sign outside that office the day interviewed, I doubt I would have noticed. I had already made up my mind to take the job if it was offered to me. Likewise, the Pharisees and Sadducees had already decided Jesus couldn’t be the Messiah.
At the end of chapter 15, Jesus had just fed 4,000 people with seven loaves and a few fish. He had healed people, walked on water, and cast out demons. Yet all this wasn’t enough for the Pharisees and Sadducees. They wanted a sign as discernible as the sky in predicting the weather.
Jesus had already told them they would receive the “sign of Jonah” back in chapter 12. Jonah was God’s reluctant messenger who, as a result of running away from God, was swallowed by a great fish only to be vomited up on shore three days later. In other words, Jesus had a huge neon flashing sign awaiting his foes: his death, burial, and resurrection within three days.
Yet even that sign wasn’t enough for one of his disciples. Thomas had seen Jesus do many miracles and was a faithful follower. But when the other disciples told him Jesus had risen from the dead, Thomas refused to believe: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands… and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” (John 20:25, NIV) A week later, Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch his wounds. More than that, Jesus said to Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27, NIV) And Thomas did. I think it really is that simple.
Thought for the day: Have you noticed the signs God has placed in your life? What do you struggle to believe?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.