Issue 1,005 – Fire in the Sky – March 16, 2023
Late one night in the late 1970s or early 1980s, Kathy and I drove to my parent’s farm. We were somewhere between Whitecourt and Fox Creek, Alberta, on a lonely stretch of highway.
In the distance, we could see a massive column of flame reflected in the sky towards the west, creating a clear image of a fiery cross. We didn’t have a camera, so that we couldn’t capture it on film. The cross we saw dwarfed this image of a gas well fire.
We learned later that a gas well was on fire. At the moment thought it was both fascinating and unnerving. Even though neither of us was a Christian at that point, we spent quite a bit talking about signs from God. It is incredible how quickly a non-believer’s mind can be drawn to the things of God and then immediately dismiss them.
Many people claim they will believe in God “If He gives me a sign.” These people have already had signs and evidence that God exists but have chosen to reject Him.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened Romans 1:18-21
Much of the population of Israel were eyewitnesses to the signs and wonders done by Jesus. Yet they still didn’t believe.
Jesus reencountered the crowds after feeding the 5,000 men. They had witnessed an undeniable miracle with their own eyes and had eaten the bread. Still, they didn’t want Jesus; they wanted full bellies.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. John 6:25-26
The Pharisees and teachers of the Law witnessed sign after miracles sign. They had heard the eyewitness testimony of thousands of people, yet still they wanted more.
And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. Matthew 16:1-4
No amount of signs and wonders will convince a skeptic. No eyewitness testimony will sway the hardened heart. The only thing that can bring a dead heart to life is the Holy Spirit at work.
The Spirit softens or hardens the hearts according to God’s perfect plan. Salvation is a work entirely of God and not by human means.
God can and does use signs and testimony to draw people. He has called all believers to seek and save the lost and to love them in His name. He alone, though, is responsible for the results.
Some will believe easily; others will never believe, even with miraculous signs and wonders done before them. God knows the heart and exactly what method the Spirit will use to quicken the hearts of the dead.
Our responsibility is to be obedient; He is to bring the dead to eternal life. That means we are free to serve Him to the best of our ability, but we can leave the results in His hands. We don’t have to worry about being perfect in our love or presentation of the gospel.
Let us live a life of obedience, free in the knowledge that God will fulfill His promises.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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