DISTINGUISHED BY SIGNS

“Truly the SIGNS of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, by SIGNS and wonders and mighty deeds” – 2 Corinthians 12:12

Miracles, Wonders and Signs are intricately linked, but it is useful to know that believers are DISTINGUISHED by SIGNS!  The apostle Paul testified: “Truly the SIGNS of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, by SIGNS and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Cor 12:12). The Greek word translated “sign” is semeion, which means “an indication, especially ceremonial or supernatural – miracle, sign, token, wonder.” A sign is a demonstration of God’s love or a seal that signifies that a person is distinguished or acknowledged. Semeion refers to a wondrous occurrence that takes place in an unusual way and transcends the common course of nature. God uses signs to verify those whom He has sent, and to prove that the cause they are defending comes from Him: “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch” (Acts 5:12).

God also uses signs not only to help people but also to give glory to His Son Jesus. His Life and Ministry of Jesus was characterised and distinguished by divine SIGNS. The Gospels present records of Seven Signs that Jesus performed that affirmed His deity:

Jesus turned water in to wine: “This beginning of SIGNS Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (Jh.2:11).

Jesus healed a nobleman’s son in Capernaum: “This again is the SECONDSIGN that Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee” (Jh.4:54).

Jesus healed a lame man in Bethesda and attested to His Sonship: “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner” (Jh.5:19)

Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, and: “Then those men, when they had seen the SIGN that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world” (Jh.6:14).

Jesus walked on water: “Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God” (Mt.14:33).

Jesus healed a man blind from birth: “Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (Jh.9:3-4).

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (Jh.11:25-27).

John 20:30 reports: “And truly Jesus did many other SIGNS in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.”

We are not expected to idolize signs, and there is a world of difference between recognising the signs that follow us as believers and worshipping those signs: “And these SIGNS will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues… And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying SIGNS. Amen” (Mk.16:17,20). God prohibits the worship of signs and cautions against Satan’s seductive signs:

• “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show GREAT SIGNS and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Mt.24:24).

• “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Mk.13:22).

• “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2The.2:9).

Signs will follow those who believe, but only as our passion for God goes beyond passion for the appearance of signs!