16th. August. 2022. Daily Devotions.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.2 He replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,” 3 and in the morning, “Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.[a] 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’ Matthew 16:1-4
The month of August provides some of the warmest days of the year where I live. And in the morning, if the sky is red in the east, there is a good chance of stormy weather, just as people said in Israel back in Jesus’ day.
Jesus used that well-known pattern as a “heads up” to the Pharisees and Sadducees who had asked him to show them a sign from heaven. In return he used a sign of the heavens to test them about their belief in him as God’s anointed King.
They had already seen and heard about Jesus’ teaching and healing miracles, and they were inclined to dismiss them—and him as well. When it came to the gift that God had given them in Jesus, they had ears but could not hear, and they had eyes but could not see.
Jesus predicted another sign as well—not to satisfy their question but to announce that he would rise from the dead. Did you notice that he mentioned “the sign of Jonah”? This meant that just as Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days before being spit out on the shore, Jesus would be in a tomb, and on the third day he would rise from the dead.
Many of Jesus’ challengers missed that sign too. People still miss it today, but many see, believe, and live the resurrected life with Jesus. Are you living that life too? E Heerama
Risen Lord, you are the giver of abundant life. Thank you for your amazing gifts. May we help others to see who you really are. Amen.
We commend to you, O Lord, our souls, and our bodies; our prayers and our hopes; our health and our work; our life and our death; our families and our friends; our neighbours and our fellow men and women, this day and always. Amen. Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626)
Loving God, as the world continues to face the challenge of disease, we give thanks for all who bring healing and health to others; for those who work in hospitals, GP practices, hospices, and care homes; for those who volunteer giving time, love and care; for delivery drivers, refuse collectors, supermarket staff; for teachers, social workers and all who care for others. We give thanks for scientists developing treatments and vaccines; for those willing to be used in trials so that others can be well and free; for experts in public health and for all those on the frontline of infection control. In the name of Christ, the healer. Amen.
Pray for the Elderly, isolated and vulnerable.
We echo God’s commitment to those most at risk of this virus by praying today for those who are particularly vulnerable and isolated: praying for their deliverance, protection, and comfort. We hold before God those who care for them – that they would be strengthened and encouraged in this work.
For the Nation
Lord Jesus Christ, In these dark and difficult days we turn our hearts to you. In ages past you have delivered our nation from disaster. Do it again we pray. Give Wisdom beyond human wisdom to our leaders. Give strength beyond human strength to the NHS and all our frontline workers. Give comfort beyond human comfort to children and the elderly and all who grieve. Lord, Jesus Christ. In these dark and difficult days, turn your face towards us, have mercy upon us, and heal our land we pray. Amen.
