Saturday 24 February 2018

Give us a sign


They say, "There are none so blind as those who will not see", and I suppose this applies to many people throughout the ages. We are all set in our ways and believe what we have convinced ourselves to believe, often with no proof or logic but just prejudice, and that is that.

"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Jesus replied, "A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." (Matthew 12:38 onwards).

"On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”  Jesus answered, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again". (John 2:18 onwards).

"So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do?" (John 6:30 onwards).

The Jews believed that Christ was a political leader sent to rid their land from the occupying Romans. Despite all His teaching and preaching, despite their witnessing His many miracles, and hearing Him claim several times that He is the Son of God, they still asked for a sign so that they may believe.

The arrival of Jesus on earth had been predicted several times years before by the many prophets, and written about in the many documents of the Jews; and now that He was amongst them, God made man, God visiting this earth so that they may see Him, hear Him, and speak to Him; they were still asking for a sign.

But is it not just the same these days with many of us? Are we still not asking for a sign before we believe?

Let us look at some of the signs around us.

We have a universe full of planets, stars and other heavenly bodies all going round in an orderly fashion rather than haphazardly like a ball in a pinball machine.

We have plants and flowers and trees that grow from seeds, provide us with flowers and fruits, and reproducing year after year.

We have all sorts of animals, birds and fish as well as humans all intricate in their make-up and all living their lives, reproducing and dying one generation after the next.

Are all these not signs of some order by Someone somewhere with a plan that is being fulfilled? Or did it all just happen by accident and all the intricate bits that make life fell into place accidentally like a jigsaw puzzle that makes itself?

There are signs all around us everyday; but many fail to see them. 

Without needing to be a believer, without needing to read the Bible, anyone looking at life with an impartial eye, with no prejudice or pre-conceived opinions and points of view, cannot fail to see how much order there is around us. From the planets and stars in the universe, to the smallest blade of grass that grows. Every thing is worked out orderly and according to a masterly blueprint plan. Not by accident. But part of a blueprint plan.

Is that enough of a sign for you? It is for me!

22 comments:

  1. AMEN! For once I have nothing to add. WELL SAID, Victor!
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you so much, Lulu. Wishing you good health and happiness ... and smiles.

      God bless.

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  2. It is enough for me, too! Well said. Well said.

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  3. It's more than enough for me, too, Victor! Fantastic reflection, my friend.
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you so much my dear friend.

      God bless you and your family, Martha.

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  4. A real reflection on how to live. I think when people are struggling, hurting or whatever, I believe that is when they need/want a sign to know that they are on the right path, that everything will be alright. For others it could be a question of faith, well if I don’t get a sign, then I don’t believe. Your post brings an important issue to consider and think about.
    Thanks Victor and have a wonderful Sunday.

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    1. You are very wise, Bill. Yes I agree, when we hurt, (as I often do), our Faith can struggle and we do indeed wish to see a sign that all will be well, and we have made the right choices. I hope God forgives me when my Faith is weak.

      God bless you. Have a splendid Sunday.

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  5. AMEN AMEN. You've said it all. It is sure enough for me.

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  6. This universe as a pinball machine. I like that. :)

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    1. Yes Brian. An orderly pinball machine.

      God bless you my friend.

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  7. Indeed. It is so true. I think my return to faith was helped along when I started gardening and watching things grow. Even a worm is a miracle of life. And the birth of a child, what a miracle that is! There are signs all around us every day.

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    1. There are signs and miracles around us every day, Manny. People are unwilling to see and believe.

      God bless you and yours.

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  8. Hi Victor! What an uplifting, positive post, I love it.
    I have to admit that I have been one of the crowd, asking for signs in my life. If only I had read your post first, I'd be reminded of all the ways God speaks. Nature, other people, the wonder of waking up in the morning. It all shouts the name and glory of our tender, loving God.
    Thank you for this wonderful post,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you Ceil. We have all hesitated and asked for some sign or affirmation when things go wrong in our lives. And God forgives our doubts.

      God bless.

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  9. Victor, this is great. I sympathize with those that asked for a "current sign". It is human nature. At the same time, you have astutely pointed out all the signs around us that we take for granted. Life itself ... our existence ... is a perfect example. God Bless you!

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    1. Yes Michael, there are always signs around us; even if at times we fail to see them.

      God bless you too.

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  10. Hebrews 11:3: "By faith we apprehend that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that that which is seen should not take its origin from things which appear".
    Even for that we need faith.

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