Signs: (Heb): ‘Owth: In the sense of appearing, a signal, as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence

Signs: (Gr): Semeion from Semaino: a mark, ceremonial or supernatural; a miracle, token, wonder

Living in this natural world with seasons, orderly orbits, laws of nature, births and deaths, we are caught off-guard by the unusual, the extraordinary, the sensational, the bazaar. There is an expectation with the natural mind, and any deviation therefrom is to be sought out and explained by scientific discovery.

Living in the spiritual world of faith in the unseen, the invisible, there is a ready acceptance of the unexplained, the mysterious, the phenomenal. The question becomes one of legitimacy and not that of the deceptive powers of evil.

Such is the question of signs, portents and omens. Legitimate signs have been with us from the beginning of creation:

“And God said, let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs (‘owth), and for seasons, and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14).

To Moses:

“And you shall take this rod in your hand, wherewith you shall do signs” (Exodus 4:17).

To Daniel:

‘He delivers and rescues, and works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions” (Daniel 6:26).

To Jesus:

“And in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and gloomy’. ‘O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky, but can you not discern the signs of the times?'” (Matthew 16:3).

To the Apostle Paul:

“Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ” (Romans 15:19). “Truly the signs of an Apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (II Corinthians 12:12).

To the Disciples:

“God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4).

Signs and Lying Wonders. There have also been the deceptive works of darkness “whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders” (II Thessalonians 2:9).

Sorcerers, wizards, witches and demons have also been working in the earth by conjuring up wickedness through necromancy, familiar spirits, seances, and the arts of black magic deceiving the gullible by signs, wonders and telling fortunes to those with ready hearts to believe the lies.

Beloved, it is the end of days. It is the time for the coming of the Lord. We are entering a new era of signs, portents and omens. The words of the Prophets are coming to past. We see them being fulfilled in our time. We must be on our guard, however, for the “Prince of this world comes” as well (cf. John 14:30). He comes with “all power and signs and lying wonders” (II Thessalonians 2:9b).

The words of the Apostle are true, reassuring and comforting to our hearts in this hour. Let us take heed to them and abide in the Truth.

“We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, Brethren, Beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, Brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or our Epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, and God, even our Father who has loved us and has given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” (II Thessalonians 2:13-17).

May the true signs, portents and omens from the Spirit speak to you in Truth and lead you in the Light. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

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