How can we discern when God is inviting us to seek signs today? Setting the Scene—Ahaz’s Missed Invitation Isaiah 7:12: “But Ahaz replied, ‘I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.’” • The Lord Himself offered Ahaz a sign “as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven” (Isaiah 7:11). • Ahaz’s refusal sounded pious, yet it masked unbelief and allegiance to Assyria. • God’s offer shows He can initiate a sign when He wants to strengthen faith, not when pressured by human doubt. Biblical Patterns—When God Initiates Signs • Genesis 9:12-13: The rainbow given without human request as a perpetual covenant reminder. • Exodus 4:1-9: Signs placed in Moses’ hand to confirm his calling before Israel. • Judges 6:36-40: Gideon’s fleece followed the Lord’s prior promise of victory; the sign confirmed, not created, faith. • 2 Kings 20:8-11: Hezekiah’s shadow sign granted after God spoke healing through Isaiah. • Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 2:12: God-directed signs led seekers to the incarnate Son. Principles for Discerning Divine Invitation Today • God speaks first through Scripture; any sign He offers harmonizes with His written Word (Psalm 119:105). • The initiative rests with Him. When He prompts, the invitation is clear, persistent, and aligned with revealed purposes. • Signs confirm what He has already spoken, never replace obedience to what is plain (James 1:22-25). • True signs exalt Christ, strengthen faith, and serve redemptive ends (John 20:30-31). Motives Matter—Heart Posture Before Asking • Humility: acknowledging God’s sovereignty rather than manipulating Him (Micah 6:8). • Trust: seeking assurance to obey, not evidence to negotiate (Hebrews 11:6). • Submission: readiness to act whether or not a sign is given (Daniel 3:17-18). • Purity: desiring God’s glory over personal comfort or curiosity (1 Corinthians 10:31). Cautions—When Asking Becomes Testing • Deuteronomy 6:16; Luke 4:12: Presumptuous demands provoke the Lord. • Mark 8:11-12: The Pharisees sought a sign to avoid surrender; Jesus sighed deeply and refused. • Signs sought from unbelief frustrate spiritual growth, delaying obedience already required. Practical Steps for Discernment 1. Saturate the mind with Scripture; the Spirit guides through the living Word. 2. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) with an obedient will already yielded. 3. Seek counsel from mature believers who test everything against Scripture (Proverbs 11:14). 4. Examine providential circumstances—open doors God alone could orchestrate (Revelation 3:8). 5. Wait patiently; divine timing confirms genuine invitations (Habakkuk 2:3). The Greatest Sign Already Given—Christ Risen • Isaiah 7:14 foretells Immanuel; Matthew 1:22-23 records its fulfillment. • Luke 11:29-32: The sign of Jonah, Christ’s resurrection, surpasses all others. • John 2:18-22: His raised body stands as the ultimate proof of authority and love. Putting It All Together God sometimes offers confirming signs, yet He has already provided the supreme sign in His Son. When His Spirit, Word, and providence align, believers may confidently recognize a God-given invitation to seek or receive a sign—always for bolstering faith, advancing obedience, and magnifying the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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