And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12 KJV)
A Sign is a mark, feature or character that identifies or indicates the existence of something else not immediately apparent. It affirms identification and validates recognition. It is a method or signal that distinguishes an item in a pack.
Take fingerprint for instance, a profoundly unique mark (sign) that identifies every man. (Imagine that!). As numerous as people are, God in His great wisdom left this unique mark on every man which creates an imprint (sign) that tracks and identifies each one instantly. So pervasive and conclusive is the recourse to the use of this “sign” that forensic identification bypasses facial recognition for it. It is the “end of discussion” for any identification impasse. A sign validates identification.
When Jesus was born, an Angel announced his birth and birthplace by a sign, a unique and identifying mark that validated Jesus’ recognition. The Angel said unto the country shepherds,” Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke2:10-12) The effect of this notice by the Angel is for the Shepherds to look for the “sign” to identify the referenced Baby. The described sign is the validation and control given to assure accuracy and correction of the identification. Once the sign is confirmed, the item is marked. This is as fascinating as it is noteworthy.
In life’s course and relations, God often provides signs to aid our identification of materials of high importance relating to God’s leadings and directions. God often provides marks or signs that validate His leadings or relations with us. This notation will go forward to strengthen our confidence and assurance that we accurately identified what God introduced or directed for our engagement. It reinforces our resolve that we hit (and not miss) the mark.
The knowledge of this truth should motivate us to be cautious and conscious about signs so we may respond or react appropriately and without delay to important notices from the Lord. We need to be urgent about this Truth.
About our belief in God through the salvation perfected and delivered by our Lord Jesus; for our recognition and good notice, God provided signs that authenticate salvation and substantiate God’s honest commitment to its content as Bible recorded, ”He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;… And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:15-18 KJV).
Beloved, having believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, the natural course sequel to that belief is the overflowing aura of life and victory evidenced by the accompanying signs. This is the point, if the Shepherds found it as the Angel described it by the sign, so real is the accompanying signs of our belief in Christ if we go forward to exercise the privileges. Welcome to the glorious era of signs and wonders. Merry Christmas.
