February 3 Believe the Signs

Luke 11:29-32 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.”
 
IN this day when so many churches feel they must “soft-sell” the gospel to attract people, imagine a pastor’s welcoming remarks, “You wicked people. You surely will not see God unless you repent.” Such a preacher would soon be speaking to empty pews, wouldn’t he? Let’s stop, then, to note the grace in Jesus’ hard words, “This is a wicked and perverse generation.” and learn how these are a loving model for a good minister of God’s Word.
    Let’s first recall a few lessons back regarding Luke 11:16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from Heaven. We spoke there of going from no knowledge of Jesus to fully knowing him. This knowing Jesus steadily grew during his ministry as the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus to us through God’s Word – his law and promises, others’ teachings and many believers’ testimonies. These would be signs – indicators – of Jesus as the true Messiah. We continue to receive these signs today to grow in knowing Jesus.   
    But too often we want very specific signs directed only to us. We want to “hear God’s voice” as Samuel di (1 Samuel 3). Or we think it would be good to follow Gideon’s example to cast our fleece. (Judges 6) Because the Bible tells us Gideon tested the Lord, asking for “one more” sign several times before he obeyed God, it is okay for us continually test God with “one more sign”. Gideon, though, was looking for a way out of God’s will. But God was bigger than the one he called. Our Lord wouldn’t let go of his chosen Mighty Warrior. When God reveals his signs to you, “Yes, Lord.” he wants to hear your sign, “I believe in and trust you, Lord God Almighty.” 
    This is what Jesus wanted from his people then and from you today. Here is Jesus again drawing the line with his urgent preaching to affirm: 1) If you are not fully with Jesus, you are without him. 2) If your “house” – your soul – is empty of the Holy Spirit, evil spirits will inhabit your life. 3) Live in faith.
    Yes, “This is a wicked generation.” certainly is harsh preaching. But they are the Savior’s true loving warnings from the righteous God. Know in your heart that these words are spoken by a gracious Teacher, who loves you so deeply he longs for his people to, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this.” (Mark 7:14).
    Solomon spoke God’s wisdom. Powerful people as the Queen of Sheba traveled great distances to hear him speak of God. After God brought Jonah “from the dead” in his three days in the great fish (Jonah 3), Ninevah repented at Jonah’s preaching. Nineveh was a depraved, idol-worshiping city. The Ninevites didn’t ask for a sign. Jonah was their sign of sin and of God’s grace. They believed and were saved. Jesus lovingly wanted the same for the Jews.
    I know, everyone wants to hear, “Jesus loves you just the way you are.” But that’s to be the beginning of his relationship with you. He certainly didn’t go to the cross, so you could live “where you are”, dead and lost in sin. Instead, our Lord and Savior loves you so much he passionately preached of sin’s destruction. Then he went to give us the greatest sign of all – his death, resurrection and ascension. In these signs, you can know the Savior has lovingly opened the way for you to repent and be saved.
    You know the signs. They point you away from sin. They show you the direct way to God. Listen! Confess. Repent, and be saved.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the sign of the cross. I pray for your church and the nations to respond in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.