From ancient times our existence has been accompanied by signs and symbols. Their purpose is to get a message to our eyes, ears, and mind. These messages guide us and guard us in our pursuit of a better quality of life.
Road signs regulate our speed, control, and direction toward a destination. Hearing a siren, a train whistle, a howling tire, or seeing a warning light gets our attention. We need to proceed thoughtfully.
At moments we grumble or whine, yet we tend to trust signs, symbols, or symptoms. Reading food labels, feeling flu symptoms, watching the red sky at sunset or dawn, or checking our watches effects our daily choices. Signs govern us more than we may notice.
I am thankful for the guiding wisdom of signs. Although, when my GPS lost its wisdom (GLITCH) – in a city, at rush-hour (!), it was the beginning of a ‘bad day.’
God, in His wisdom, has provided us with multiple signs:
- Genesis 1- lights, as “signs” in the sky to mark seasons, days, and years
- Genesis 9 – a rainbow, a “sign” of His promise to not destroy the earth with a flood again
- Matthew 16 – the red sky at sunset or dawn for our interpretation
- Matthew 24 – signs of the end times
- Romans 1 – in creation “God’s eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”
This season of Lent brings to mind the Christian church’s calendar – signs from God:
- CHRISTMAS: “The Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son…Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7) “A Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2)
- PALM SUNDAY: reminding us of Jesus’ recognition as King
- LENT: reminding us of Jesus’ days of suffering
- GOOD FRIDAY: reminding us of Jesus’ death on the cross, and burial
- EASTER: a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, a sign “declaring Him to be the Son of God” (Romans 1:4) – giving us hope.
Further to these historical events, Jesus’ miracles were signs. God’s purpose is clearly stated, “Jesus performed many other signs…which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20)
We need to read the signs, and heed their message. They guide us to Jesus the Saviour- through whom we obtain forgiveness of sin, a relationship with God, and the gift of eternal life. I know Him, and He will guide me safely ‘HOME’. How encouraging as I walk through this broken world with Jesus as my guide.
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris