As part of our human experience, we have learned to look for
signs to validate our thoughts, dreams and beliefs. Signs help us to understand we are headed in
the right direction or down an available path.
For instance, when a man is trying to see if a young lady is interested
in him, he makes a move and waits for a sign from her to indicate his advances
are welcomed. Leaders will often look
for signs from those they lead indicating they are ready to take on more
responsibilities. Even when we are
traveling to places we don't often frequent, we look for familiar signs or
scenery to indicate we are going the right way. In social situations, signs are
also a plus. We all have signs or cues
we look for when we walk in to new or unfamiliar social situations that
indicate we are indeed welcome.
It seems reasonable to seek a sign. They can help lead, direct and/or confirm
things for you. Yet Jesus rebuked the
Pharisees and teachers of the Law for seeking a sign from Him. He took a different approach when the crowd
following Him asked for a sign. Instead
of rebuking them, Jesus converted it into a teaching moment. What could have possibly made Jesus respond
differently to similar inquiries? The
Pharisees and the teachers of the Law were asking with a heart to discredit and
undermine Jesus' purposes in the earth.
Their questioning reflected the hardness of their hearts. The crowd following Him, on the other hand, were
hungry for truth. They had already
enjoyed many miracles including the multiplying of the bread and loaves. Jesus was able to the speak into their hunger
and produce a greater hunger for God.
32Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses
did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread
from heaven. 3For the bread of God is He who
comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34Then
they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” 35And
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall
never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
How many times have you hungered to see a sign from God to
validate a decision you are making or as a blessing or confirmation on something
you are doing? Many have put out
"fleeces" like Gideon did to try and guarantee they are hearing God
correctly. We all will have times of
insecurity as we pursue the deeper things of the Lord. Out of those insecurities, we will seek a
sign from God to know He is with us.
Many times we feel or sense His presence. Other times we see, read or hear something
that soothes are spirits. Those times
are validating and precious to us, but are not really needed. What we need to do is eat some fresh baked
Bread of the Lord.
We are complete in Christ.
We are led by the Spirit of God and we have the Word of God. Like God's love, His word Never fails. When
we begin to eat the Bread of Life (the word of God and remember Jesus is the
Word), we are comforted and reminded of where to place our faith.
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from
My mouth; It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which
I sent it.
The Word of God is
infallible. It is always fresh, hot,
relevant and nourishing. It is where we place our trust. If the Lord said it, that settles it. His promise to us is that He will never leave
us or forsake us. Emmanuel is always with
us. That is our sign - His faithfulness
to watch over His word and perform it.
Enjoy His Fresh Hot Bread!
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