The Gospel of Luke
This devotional is written by Dreem Nkumbula. Dreem has been going to St. Mary's for 4 years, you can catch her at the Life course, Homeless meals or on a Sunday trying not to overwhelm newcomers with her excitement as part of the welcome team.
Luke 11:29-32
The sign of Jonah
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.
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.
Reflection
I love this passage because Jesus' words are so poignant and unique for our day and age. Nowadays, it seems like only human nature to look for proof when we are presented with a bold statement. After all, we are living in the age of information where data is a commodity and our entire systems are based on burdens of proof. Jesus calls out the generation as wicked because of their need for a sign, rightly so because His authority is enough.
When Jesus draws the parallel between himself, Jonah and Solomon it is a reminder to us of the power that comes with His message by divine right. Jesus is the Son of Man and greater than all of the messengers that came before him yet they still don't trust this divine authority. The example of the Queen of Sheba's conversion shows us how easy it is for us to get drawn into the common way of thinking and apply it to our lives.
There have been moments when I have asked for a sign from the heavens as affirmation for direction rather than truly trusting God. It is often a way of trying to see YOU in the situation and not letting GOD lead you. You may want a particular outcome, a request to be granted or perhaps you may be reluctant to do something that you know you should. God knows our heart so rather than searching for a sign believe in Him to lead you in every part of your life.
I pray that you will allow God's plans and favour to unfold in your life the way He has willed it. Trust him everywhere you are and truly walk by faith and not by sight.
When Jesus draws the parallel between himself, Jonah and Solomon it is a reminder to us of the power that comes with His message by divine right. Jesus is the Son of Man and greater than all of the messengers that came before him yet they still don't trust this divine authority. The example of the Queen of Sheba's conversion shows us how easy it is for us to get drawn into the common way of thinking and apply it to our lives.
There have been moments when I have asked for a sign from the heavens as affirmation for direction rather than truly trusting God. It is often a way of trying to see YOU in the situation and not letting GOD lead you. You may want a particular outcome, a request to be granted or perhaps you may be reluctant to do something that you know you should. God knows our heart so rather than searching for a sign believe in Him to lead you in every part of your life.
I pray that you will allow God's plans and favour to unfold in your life the way He has willed it. Trust him everywhere you are and truly walk by faith and not by sight.
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