"If You are the Son of God, throw yourself down ..." Matthew 11:10
Throughout history, sensationalism has often appealed to average people who are looking for dramatic events that titillate the senses and pander to fleshly curiosity. Toward the end of His ministry Jesus warned, “False Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect”.
Even when signs are from God, they usually do not bring unbelievers to faith but only to confirm the faith of those who already believe. God’s many miracles on behalf of the wandering Israelites just made many of them more presumptuous and unbelieving, as did Jesus’ signs to the Jews who opposed Him. The apostle John writes, “But though He performed so many signs before them yet they were not believeing in Him” (John 12 : 37). Jesus himself, as the Messiah and the Son of God, was the greatest sign God ever gave to humanity yet “He was despised and forsaken of men”.
Demanding sensational signs, as Satan did from Jesus, does not manifest faith but rather skepticism and unbelief. People will respond to a simple testimony of God’s love and mercy more than a high-energy worship service. How are you making Christ known through your own life? Look for the simplest of ways.
Help me, O Lord, to find my life according to Thy promise. Teach me to use my life to bear witness for you in the simplest of ways.Amen.
Taken from Grace for Today |