Drivers look for signs to help them navigate their way accurately and safely.
Luke 11:29-32
29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a 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 people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something 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 something greater than Jonah is here.
Jesus was there, right amongst the people, yet they couldn’t see it. It is like driving past the Welcome to Brisbane sign and asking, “Where are we?”
The crowds just wanted to see signs, the miracles, the demons being cast out but they were missing completely who those signs were pointing to. The One to believe in, the One who tells you the road you are travelling on is dangerous and leads to destruction, the One who shows you the way of life.
The Queen of the South made a long trip to find her way to Solomon and his wisdom. The people of Nineveh listened to a man who had made a long trip – in the belly of a giant fish no less! – to warn them of judgement. They believed the signs, they altered their courses accordingly.
But those who don’t believe the signs, and continue to ask, “Where are we?” or of God, “where are You?” they are still on the road to danger. It is like flying down a 60 zone at 100kph – every K over is a killer. We would call such a driver reckless, foolish, courting death in such a way. But how about ignoring the signs that one’s life is speeding out of control and only One person can divert you from that?
And how do we know that Jesus is that One? The sign of Jonah still stands. Jonah found himself an unwilling passenger in a fishy situation. I doubt the exhausted prophet, spat out on a beach and reeking of fish bile, thought he was part of a great sign, but how those three days and nights resonate down through history. They point to the One who would save us from running away from God’s will. He, Himself entering into the darkness of the grave, and rising on the third day. Jonah was used in God’s great purposes, but how much greater than Jonah is Jesus, who rose from death to life! What a sign to follow.
Head: Think of signs you follow in daily life, and how big is the risk if you do not follow them? How does this compare to the risk of not following the signs to Christ?
Heart: Jesus’s death and resurrection is the biggest sign ever. Spend some time reminding yourself of how awesome and amazing this sign is. Somebody died for me that I might live!
Hands: Even though we do believe in Jesus, sometimes we can still be guilty of seeking signs, “God just show me if this is the right way…” How can you demonstrate your faith in His plan? What course corrections are you being challenged to make?
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me see the urgency of the ‘speeding drivers’ around me who are ignoring the signs that point to you. May I follow the signs and be a witness of your plan for our eternal destination.
A song to listen to: Resurrecting
Nicole Davenport – Living Church Creek Road
