Signs of Heaven
Today’s Verse:
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. ~Jeremiah 10:2
Astronomy is the study of the planets, celestial bodies, stars, and galaxy. Those who are students of astronomy look for patterns and seasons to make certain predictions concerning the weather, climate, and the ocean waves. I think of the wise men, or magi, who studied the Scriptures and the stars for Jesus’ birth and coming to earth. In our passage of study this morning, we see where Jeremiah told the Jews to not be dismayed at the signs of heaven.
We see MYTHICAL signs.
These signs are fables, superstitions, and legends associated with pagan and idol-worshipping people. They are made-up stories with no basis that are used to instill a superstitious fear. Paul told Timothy in 1 Tim. 1:4, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” The faith of a Christian does not rest in made-up stories and superstitious fears, but rather in a living God Who is true, and Whose Word is truth. Let us remember that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works,” 2 Tim. 3:16-17. The basis for our belief is not mythical signs, but the veracity of the scriptures.
We see MIRACULOUS signs.
Jesus said of the Jews, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe,” John 4:48. Jesus authenticated His deity and His ministry among the Jews as God’s holy and perfect Son through divine miracles. These miracles were acts that were humanly impossible aside from God. The extent of these miracles included the healing of the physically lame, blind, and deaf; the transformation of water into wine; lepers being made whole; the dead being raised to life; a mere lunch bag consisting of little barley loaves and little fishes multiplied to feed several thousand people with many baskets left over; and many more. The greatest miracle was Jesus being raised physically from the dead after being in the tomb for three days and nights. These signs have one common theme: to bring the unbelieving to a saving faith in Christ. Today, we have God’s infallible Word as our authority in helping to lead men out of spiritual darkness into spiritual light.
We see MARKER signs.
Jesus said in Luke 21:11, “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” These signs are cataclysmic events that will occur during the seven-year Great Tribulation period. All of them point to the nearness of Jesus’ second coming to earth as Judge and to establish His kingdom on earth. These signs are meant to move the hardened hearts of people on earth to realize that they are being judged for their sinful rejection of Christ, and that they have little time to repent of their sins and profess faith in the finished work of Christ.
We see MOTIVATIONAL signs.
Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:34, “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” The fields are white unto harvest. There has not been a time since the first century when the resources and opportunities available to us have been greater than they are now for reaching the lost with the gospel. We must awaken out of our sleep and lethargy, and seek to win the unsaved to Christ. There will be a day when harvest time is over. It will be too late, and we will have missed our golden opportunities for reaching the lost and planting more churches.
Today, we have God’s Word for our comfort, counsel, and direction. Be not dismayed at the signs of heaven as the heathen are. We have the truth, and we must lift it up high.
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Kings 1-2