Show me a sign
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him (John 12:37).
Read John 12:37–50
Do you ever get to a point when you just need a sign from Jesus that he really is who he claims to be? Do you get so desperate with your situation that you feel like giving up, or do you want to stay in your circumstances, complaining that nothing is happening or even nothing good will happen? Do you feel sorry for yourself? What do you hope Jesus will show you, or what sign would be a sign for you?
Humans are interesting creatures. We sometimes want a sign, but we then ask for another even bigger one that really shows us Jesus is present. If we don’t get one, maybe we are drawn into thinking that Jesus doesn’t really care or doesn’t want to help us in our struggles. We don’t like suffering as humans, nor do we like being unable to control our situation. So, all our human thoughts when we face challenges are about proof. We wind up thinking from a human heart perspective rather than seeing from the point of faith.
Our human hearts always want more – more signs, proof and action from our Lord – so we can live a more comfortable life. Even when we see amazing things, we still want more.
We are called to follow Jesus and walk by faith, not sight. So, as we face challenges, we don’t need a sign from Jesus. We only need his word, ‘I am always with you’. When we hear the word, we hear Jesus speaking to us. ‘Do not be afraid. I am here. You don’t need a sign, for you won’t believe if you see a sign. Hear my voice and follow me’, Jesus says, ‘and I will lead and comfort you. This is all you need. Not a sign or any proof but me.’
So instead of asking for a sign, let us boldly ask Jesus to speak to us through his word. He will give you peace, for he reminds us that the world cannot provide the peace he does. Jesus is living and will lead you, and this will never change. A sign will lose meaning or shine after a while, only for us to ask or maybe demand another. Yet when we seek the Lord in his word, he will be found and always satisfy us – we will never need any more proof. Jesus is alive, and he lives in you.
Lord, it would be good to have a sign that you are with me, but I know that you are because your word is truth. You promise to be with me always. Please give me your strength when I am weak and your words of peace to share with others when I don’t know what to say. Help me know that you are with me today. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redcliffe, Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 7, 10 and 19 and enjoys hiking with them, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
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