Look For Answers In Scripture, Not in Signs!

An alcoholic who became a believer, was asked how he could possibly believe all the nonsense in the Bible about miracles. "You don't believe that Jesus changed the water into wine do you?" "I sure do, because in our house Jesus changed the whiskey into furniture."    -R. Stedman, Authentic Christianity, p. 36.

Growing up, we tended to make exaggerations about stuff, right? Surely, I’m not the only one! And we’d be all confident in our claims until one of our friends said, “Prove it.” And then we’d be in a corner. We’d either have to prove it, or be shown that we weren't being truthful.

One of the more frustrating things, at least for me, is when you’re trying to share the love of Jesus with someone. Then, they come back with something like this: “Have Jesus prove Himself to me, and then I’ll think about it.” I come across that every so often, and maybe you have as well. Well, guess what? Jesus had the same problem with some people in his time! We find an example of this in Matthew 12:38-42.

A “sign” was usually some miraculous token to be fulfilled quickly, or at once, to confirm a prophecy. The Jews were not asking for just another miracle, since they had already persuaded themselves that at least some of those Jesus had performed were of demonic agency (Matthew 12:24); they were asking for a “sign” performed on command to remove what seemed to them to be the ambiguity of Jesus’ miracles. -(Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

Jesus told them the only sign they’re going to get is the one where He dies and comes back to life. And, if that’s not good enough, then that’s just too bad! Today, I'd like to talk to you about the whole issue of demanding signs from God. The context of Matthew 12:38-42 deals specifically with Jesus and His claims to be the Messiah. Bu,t I think this is a good opportunity to look at the whole idea of looking for signs – whether it’s for proof about Jesus; or whether you’re looking for some sort of divine guidance through them.

Honestly, I’m not too keen on the idea of coming to God looking for a sign, but I think you’ll be able to see why as we go through today's message. Let's look at four reasons why it’s inappropriate to demand signs from God. Number One: God has already given many proofs. The Bible is filled with eyewitness testimony of people who have seen God prove Himself over, and over, and over. 

Certainly, we have all this eyewitness testimony that has been around for thousands of years. But for many, eyewitness testimony isn't enough. They want God to prove Himself again, to them, on their terms. A second way God has proven Himself is through Jesus. Friends, no one disputes the fact that Jesus of Nazareth lived. He is the most important factual person in all of human history.

What I have a hard time figuring out, is why everyone is so quick to call Him a good, moral teacher, but then throw out so much of what He taught! Jesus, during his 3 years of ministry, gave lots of evidence that He was who He said He was.

He healed people, he forgave people, He calmed storms, he performed miracles, and he did something moonshiners could only dream of by turning water into wine. Once again, I point to eyewitness testimony – this time from one of those who knew Him best (1 John 1:1-2). 

Another way that God has proven Himself is through people. The fact that God has touched and transformed untold millions of people should be a good piece of evidence. God has proven Himself and proven Himself faithful to His Word time and time again.

I’m sure most, if not all of us can think of people who at one time looked like they were beyond all hope, spiritually. Then God gets hold of them, just like His Bible says He does, and they become a brand new creature in Christ. And you see them, and all you can do is marvel at the work that God has done in their lives. 

Now, let’s move on to the Number Two reason why it’s inappropriate to ask God for signs. I've known people who, when facing major decisions, have looked to the skies for a sign. They ask God to show them if they are to marry a certain person, and they look up. And what do they see? A falling star. And for some reason, that’s God telling them to go ahead!

Instead of getting counsel from Scripture and other godly people, they look for falling stars. Now, God can absolutely give a falling star as a sign for someone. But, God says that the Bible is all we need for life and godliness, and the fact of the matter is, there is absolutely nothing in Scripture that tells us to look to the stars for guidance.

If you spend your time looking for signs, you might find yourself “seeing” signs that aren't really there, and you’ll take that as a message from God. And if it doesn't work out, who do you blame? God. In spite of the fact that there really was no sign at all. 

Reason Number Three for why it’s not a good idea to demand a sign from God is this: such demands can exhibit a sinful and rebellious heart. This isn't always the case, of course. Some people are hurting, and they’re looking for a sign that God still cares and is listening.

But that wasn't the case with the religious leaders here. They were showing that they did not care that the Messiah was right in front of them. They were more concerned with their own hold on the people of Israel, and they weren't about to let some upstart carpenter mess with that.

Now, we have people who use the demand for a sign not out of a desire to really find God, but rather as an excuse to dismiss Jesus if He doesn't perform for them they way they think He should. When we come to God with our demands for a sign out of an insincere heart, it is not good – it’s sinful, and that leads to the last reason we shouldn't demand signs from God. 

Reason Number Four is: God doesn't bow to the demands of anybody. Here’s a question I have for those who think God needs to step up and prove Himself: Who do you think you are? Does God owe you anything? He gave you the very breath you breathe, and you’re making demands of Him? I mentioned a while back that there are people who want God to prove Himself to them. But on their terms.

Well, God doesn't work that way. We come to Him on His terms. He doesn't come crawling to us like a whipped puppy; hoping that you won’t beat Him up if He doesn't do something just right.

You know what I've found? I've found that even if God would do something for them, people like this still won’t be satisfied. They make up all these “tests” for God, and if He doesn't pass them, then God’s not real. But, the last time I checked, God is God, and we’re not! We have no authority whatsoever to tell our Creator to prove Himself to us. How arrogant to think anyone should make demands of Almighty God!

I'd like to point something out here, and it’s very important that we understand this: God does invite us to search Him out! God invites honest questions, and those asked from the anguish of our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13).

In closing,  I am of the opinion that God can give signs, and has at times. For example, Gideon laid down his fleece, and God granted his request. Although, I think it’s important to understand that the story is not an instruction to lay a fleece; but rather a story about God’s patience with someone who needed more assurance (even though God’s angel had already given a couple signs!)

Maybe you’re somebody who has been asking God for a sign for some reason. It could be that you’re looking for a reason to believe in Jesus. Or, you’re facing a decision and looking for something tangible you can see or hear to help you.

Let me just encourage you to look for answers in the Scriptures and in the counsel and prayers of God’s people, not in signs. It’s here for you. God wants you to have a full and abundant life!

Scripture: John 15:7; Isaiah 7:11; Luke 18:1; Mark 8:12; John 8:24; Ephesians 6:18; Psalm 13:5-6

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Sometimes I feel as if prayer does no good and I am talking to no one. Sometimes I feel all alone. Please let me feel your presence and know you are there. Amen   

Have a blessed day!

Kim