“The Pharisees came and began to argue with Him, demanding of Him a sign from heaven to test Him. Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then He left them…”
Mark 8:11-13
Sometimes when you win, you lose. That is usually the case when I argue with my wife! I may win the argument, but I will definitely be the one apologizing later!
The Pharisees must have thought they won this argument with Jesus. “No sign? Then we must be right. He’s nothing special.” I doubt they were even trying to hide their smug satisfaction. But sometimes when you win, you lose. This was one of those times. Jesus “left them…” It is one of the most sad and terrifying passages in the Bible because when Jesus walks away from you there really is no more hope. Those Pharisees will stand before Jesus on Judgment Day, and they will definitely be apologizing. But it will not change the consequences of their rejection of Jesus.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while He is near”
Isaiah 55:6
This is the prophetic call that still goes out. The Lord is near, but He will not always be accessible to those who persist in unbelief. A time is coming when Jesus’ call to receive mercy will end. Seek Him now while He may be found. You will lose your pride now, but your soul will be saved in the End.
Think These Things 