Luke 11:29-32
When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and indeed, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and indeed, something greater than Jonah is here! Luke 11:29-32 (NRSVUE)
Who among us wouldn't want a sign when we are struggling with a decision. In Luke 11:29-32, the people are wondering, doubting, trying to discern the will of God. Jesus is direct and honest with them saying that there won't be another sign until His death on the cross. He asks them to recall the quandary of Jonah, who, against his will, was sent by God to Nineveh. We all know how that story went. Not well for Jonah. Jesus is pointing out that the biggest task of believers is to believe.
When we are unsure and wonder if God is there with us, helping us to know the path to take, we might get a nudge or we might not! And so we pray and ask for guidance. We might read our Bibles or ask trusted friends to advise us. We might talk with the minister or ask our children what they think. In the end, we do what we feel God calls us to do with the belief that He will be with us.
This coming Sunday is Father's Day. I have been so blessed to have my Heavenly Father my whole life. I lost my earthly father when I was 15 years old, very suddenly. He and my mother introduced me to my Heavenly Father at a very young age. He showed me how to believe. I want to share this music video with you for you to be reminded that all of our lives, He has been there. We may not see but we believe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sE5kEnitqE&list=RD9sE5kEnitqE&start_radio=1
Questions for Reflection:
- When there are no signs to show you the way, how do you discern God's will?
- Trusting and believing go hand in hand. We build trust with every little incident where God has been with us. Thinking back on your own experience in faith, when have you trusted God in order to believe?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you challenge us to trust in you even when we have no signs. Doubt creeps in sometimes, even if we don't want it to. In the darkness we hope for the light. You are the Light of the World. Bring peace to our world. "Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope. where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy." We pray this all in your mighty name. Amen
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