Do we test God by asking for miracles? (Mark 8:12)
(Mark 8:12) 12 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."
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Asked July 31 2022
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
I would say that it would be a matter of the relationship between the request for a miracle and the faith of the person making the request. If the request for a miracle from God takes the form (either explicitly or implicitly) of, "If You grant me this request -- or perform this miraculous sign -- then I will believe in You," (or, conversely, "Unless You grant this request or perform this sign, I will not believe in You,") that is putting God to the test. On the other hand, if the request comes from pre-existing faith or belief, along with a willingness to yield to God's judgment, and to look for the ways in which His answer to the request (whatever that answer may be) is intended -- or can be used for -- our ultimate good, that would be exhibiting a proper attitude with respect to the request.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
In Mark 8:12-13, Mark writes in the New Living Translation of the Bible, “When [the Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus], he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.’ So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake.” Jesus’ response was as strong as an oath (“I tell you the truth”) –meaning “[May God’s judgment fall upon me] if I give this generation any such sign.” --NLTPSB (NLT Parallel Study Bible) It is hardheartedness and spiritual blindness! Our desire for a sign from heaven is but another evidence of our unbelief, for faith does not ask for signs. True faith takes God at His Word and is satisfied with the inward witness of the Spirit. —adapted from Wiersbe https://www.heartlight.org/gallery/6718.html
James Nasium
Supporter
It depends on the attitude of the person. Moses used and received signs. Gideon wanted not one, but multiple signs, and God gave him them. Jesus knew the Jews’ hearts when they kept asking him for a sign (even after he showed more signs than any prophet in history). Most of them were following Jesus around to get food and possibly other things to serve themselves. A prime example of testing God is a parent who refuses to bring their child to the hospital, thinking God will surely heal them.
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