Asking For Signs

When the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign, Mark records that Jesus "sighed from the depths of his spirit." (Mk 8: 12).  A sigh of exasperation and impatience, no doubt, for Jesus clearly seems frustrated as we often are when someone asks a question about something we just explained, or asks a question about something which in our minds is so obvious, it doesn't need explanation.  We all tend to want assurance to bolster our weak confidence, and Jesus understands that, but it is also natural for him to think and say, "Isn't it clear enough yet?   Look at all I've done, and still you ask for a sign?"  We remember the story of Gideon and the wet and dry fleece.  He "tested" God twice to "make sure" and God was very patient with him.  So too is he with us until we reach that level of trust and confidence he hopes to instill in us. Looking at our own impatience with others, we might make an effort to trust in the many signs we have already received, thank God rather than test him, let him give or not give signs, and acknowledge them when they do come unsolicited and freely from his loving hand.
Bro. Rene