A Sign

We used to own a sign store. We made little vinyl signs and we made signs the size of a small house. Some were for businesses to announce their location, some were banners announcing a special occasion.

It may be a bit early, but this year aren’t we all a little more excited about: the birth, the coming, the miracle? A baby – born to a virgin – who lived a sinless life – knew God’s will – gave sight to blind and a thousand other miracles –  then died, willingly – and then…defeated death and rose to life so that all who believe will never die.

Many signs announced Jesus. From Isaiah of old telling of a virgin birth, to a star and angel choir welcome, to one calling in the desert and preparing the way, to the scorning and abuse by those who should have recognized Messiah, to whiplash stripes removing his skin, to outstretched arms taking our sin, and ushering in eternity. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.” (John 1: 10 NIV)

Even so we still ask for a sign.

“He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11 NIV) If You do this Lord, I’ll do that. Don’t you care Lord, heal me. If God is good, then why evil? If God is love, then why allow hate? A sign, then we’ll believe.

And so with heavenly patience He grants our next breath. Extends salvation to another hungering seeker. Holy Spirit reveals Himself through His Word, His promises. He holds the cosmos in order. Welcomes each believer stepping from death bed to eternal ever.

One miraculous moment after another.

For those with hearts to see, ears to hear. But a deaf world is tuned in only to what the next power grab is, what the next paycheck will buy, what the next moment of fame will bring.

Here’s our sign (for all who will believe): “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 NIV)