Being in the road building business makes me familiar with signage – the posted instructions to the traveling public. As I was reading our passage, it occurred to me that it might be helpful to post: “Beware – Miracles Ahead” at the beginning of Mark 8. That way the traveller would have a chance to consider the right gear choice. Do I shift down to that gear which assumes no risk because miracles no longer occur? Do I stay in the gear I am in which says some things are possible with God but not all things? Or, do I shift up into that risky gear of childlike faith that says, all things are possible with God?

After feeding the 4,000 Jesus moved on to Dalmanutha where He encountered a group of Pharisees. They had a different attitude than the multitude who had gone out of their way, at some risk, to remain in Jesus’ company. These Jewish VIP’s preferred to let Jesus take the initiative. Their attitude was, “Let him, come to us and if he has something to say, let him first validate his authority with a miracle.” In other words, “Don’t make us take any risks and discern Truth with our own hearts. Give us proof.”

We learn something important about Jesus in this passage; something inside him shuts down when people demand proof from Him. Listen;

And sighing deeply in his spirit, he said, “Why does this generation seek a sign”? Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation”. (Mark 8:12)

I will be honest, I shift back and forth when I encounter the supernatural in scripture. I really just want to pull over at a rest stop, put it in park, and ask for directions. But, I usually press on, lurching erratically from gear to gear. However, I know my options are limited. Because of my own conversion experience, I don’t really have an option to down shift into some gear that says God is done with miracles or is finished speaking to men. He shelled that part of my transmission in the first 6 months of relationship with him. Even though my shifting is still a bit like a student driver’s, I try to find that gear that defers to God as he was, and (I believe) is, and always shall be – the God to whom all things are still possible. But, even in saying this, I must add that I don’t believe the primary thing on God’s heart is miracles.

I think I understand (a little bit) why Jesus was resistant to promoting himself by way of the miraculous. As one who signs checks and has a little authority to make things happen, I too experience a deep involuntary sigh when I awaken to find out that a would-be friend was really just posturing to gain some kind of favor. This leads me to believe that Jesus preferred hanging out with those who simply enjoyed his company – who loved him for who he was, independent of what he could do for them.

Father, awaken us. Lead us into that new day where our innocence and childlikeness are restored. Allow the “all things are possible” to come into our view by faith. In the context of intimate friendship with You, bring heavenly reality to bear upon us and bring glory and honor to Your wonderful name. Amen.

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