A Sign From The Lord

Text: Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:22-23

Associate Minister James Smith delivered a soul-stirring message to our congregation titled “A Sign From the Lord”. The scripture lesson was taken from Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22 and 23, two basically identical pieces of text. Minister Smith used this lesson to show us how signs are used all the time, both in the Bible and in everyday life.

To begin the teaching, Minister Smith described to us several definitions of the word “sign”. This word could be used a number of different ways. A sign could be a token or an indication; a motion or gesture that expresses an idea, command or decision; it could give direction, or represent an omen. A sign represents something larger than itself.

Everyone should be familiar with signs. We use them everyday. For example, road markers and highway signs were designed to help us find our way along public highways. In the Bible, Jeremiah encouraged travelers to put up road signs to help them find their way back home. The old saying is definitely true- you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been!
Nature also gives us signs. When a storm is on the way, signs like heavy winds and clouds let us know. Our physical bodies also give us signs. Aches and pains are some of the ways our bodies let us know that something is wrong. We even give off signs to the opposite sex to let them know we are interested in them.

Genesis 9:11 talks about another sign. God told the people that he would never send a flood again, and he signified that in the form of a rainbow. In reference to the coming of the Messiah, in the Old Testament, it was Isaiah who let people know about his coming, and Matthew picked up where he left off in the New Testament.

Before Jesus came, Joseph and Mary were engaged. Mary mysteriously became pregnant during their engagement, a condition only suitable for a married woman. She was a virgin at the time! Joseph decided to call things off, but God sent him a sign in the form of an angel. This angel reassured Joseph, and he went on with his original plans and married Mary. Angels are still used to speak to us today.

To signify the birth of Jesus, God showed a sign to the Wise Men, a bright star. The Wise Men followed that star until it led them to the Christ child. When it was time for Jesus to be born, there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn. He was born in a very lowly manner, in a manger, in a stable! If Jesus came and knocked on your heart door, would you let Him in? Do you have room for Him? Are you willing to follow Jesus’ star?

 

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