“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
[Luk 21:28 NKJV]
Signs are everywhere. They tell us information, show us where to go, warn us about dangers up ahead, and much more. Signs rarely give full detail but provide just enough information so the reader can have an understanding of what the sign is communicating. Signs can be words or images – or, as in the Bible – events.
As Christians, we need to be paying attention to the signs God told us about in His Word. Signs of events to come are written about so we are ready for them when they come about – so we are not taken by surprise.
God has used signs throughout the generations to lead and warn people. He even used signs to show His goodness, truth and power to those who lived in evil. We read in Exodus about one such time when God used signs and wonders in front of Pharaoh to get him to release Israel from slavery. [Exodus 7-11]
Signs from God were given to Israel so they would know of events to come and actions to take. The sons of Issachar of Israel were given the specific ability to understand signs and explain them.
of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;
[1Ch 12:32 NKJV]
Today we can see much that has been written occurring. We are seeing it play out in detail – foreshadowing and conditioning for the time of horrific wrath. Many of us probably did not think we would be here to see so much happening. If anyone is like me, I thought the Church would be taken away first. However, it appears we are going to see the setup, and may even experience more strife than we expected, as the end is put into place.
How many of us are truly paying attention to the signs we are seeing? Are we in the Word and in the news so we can understand the times? Or, are we digging our heads in the sand because what we are seeing is too stressful to watch, even though we know where this is all headed? [Tom Hughes Guest Interview with Billy Crone]
God didn’t give us a spirit of fear. He doesn’t want us to be afraid. He said to pay attention to signs so we could be confident in knowing what He told us is true and that we have no reason to fear. [Mat 10:16-26]
As we watch the world move deeper into “as in the days of Noah”, we keep watch by having our heads in the Bible, and the news, rather than in the sand. We do not know how much time we have left here, so we continue to live our lives, share the Gospel, and be confident in knowing God’s got this.
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here [is] the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, [He is] there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.”
[Mar 13:21-23 NKJV]
Signs were given to Israel to look for so they wouldn’t miss the arrival of Christ. Yet, they missed them. Will we be like Israel or will we be looking around and up so we don’t miss the signs of the end and our blessed hope?
| Read between the lines of what you see Look into the soul of reality Open your mind, look at the signs Never look back at yesterday Keep your gaze steady on the narrow way Follow the signs Open your mind, follow the signs Open your eyes, look at the signs Open your mind, follow the signs Signs – Michael W. Smith (Lyrics) Signs – Michael W. Smith |
| Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Blessed Assurance – Lyrics Blessed Assurance (Live) – Alan Jackson |
Prayer Day 49: Worship