The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

Mark 8:1-26

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Mark 8:11-12

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 8:1-26.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of four) division (vv11-13):

• For the second division, the title is: "Unbelievers Will Demand a Sign but Reject One."
• "They ask for “a sign from heaven,” something that would demonstrate what He is doing, something they amazingly do not deny is truly of God. Their motive was “to test Him.” Their goal is again to discredit Him before the people, not to test Him with a view of authenticating His ministry. It is one thing to put the Lord to a test in faith. It is another thing to test Him in unbelief." 
• "For the second time in two chapters, our Lord “sighs” with deep emotion. This time His anguish was directed at minds that refused the evidence, hearts that remained hard, eyes that refused to see, and ears that refused to hear (cf. 8:17-18). In effect He said, 'You want a sign? Read the Scriptures! Listen to My words. See what I do!....If you cannot see God at work in Me, no evidence will convince you otherwise. Your demand is just an expression of unbelief. I will not play your evil and wicked game.'" 
• "These religious zealots were physically so close to our Lord, but they had never been further away where it really mattered: in their hearts. They have lost Him. Not long from now they will crucify Him. Unbelief is evil and tragic when it says no to the gospel and God’s Son."

It is tragic when we encounter unbelief as the ultimate consequences are eternal for the unbeliever.  At the same time, only God knows when such unbelief (or doubt) is temporary.  God could be working in an unbeliever's heart and have a plan to soften the heart and bring this person to faith.  Jude 22-23 shares how we are to show mercy to those who doubt. We should have discernment about doubt vs disbelief - see this post from DesiringGod.com for a good perspective.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and is full of mercy....thank You Jesus for the mercies You have poured out on me when I doubt.  I am not deserving of such mercies...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 9-10

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4

 

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fourteen The Faithful Evangelist, which covers Romans 9:30-10:21.  My focus today is Romans 9:30-10:4, which my commentary refers to under the heading The Intensity of Paul's Burden. Here, Paul continues to express anguish (see previous few days posts covering Romans 9) over Jewish unbelief by contrasting how the Gentiles achieved righteousness through faith but the Jewish people largely sought righteousness through works (v9:32). Paul quotes Isaiah once more in v33, and how Jesus was prophesied to become the Messiah and cornerstone of the church. His anguish spills over into chapter 10 where he shares how he believes the Jews had "zeal for God, but not according to knowledge....seeking to establish their own [righteousness]" (v10:2-3). In v10:4, Paul states that for those who believe in Christ, they are justified - not based on works or obedience to the law but on based on faith and God's grace. 

 

My commentary encourages me to notice the intensity of Paul's burden for Israel in 10:1-4. Just as Paul is "burdened" or heartbroken for unbelievers we should be as well and be both humble and graceful about it.  We should thank God for conversion and belief in some, and pray for unbelievers at the same time. 

 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave me faith - not based on anything I did but because You loved me and because You are full of patience, compassion, mercy and grace - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I am sinful - full of harsh words, worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.