18/09/2023 - SIGN AND A WONDER

• 
• 
• 
• 

 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever. Deuteronomy 28.46

Whoever says that he does not find time to devote to Bible reading and reflection, searching for what catches his attention, will never know the glorious plan designed before the beginning of the creation of all things. Revelation reaches those who give God their due attention. The successful performance of what we know to be God’s will for us depends on our love for the Lord. Well, when giving us a mission, He gives us the tools to accomplish it. 

The life of those who neither meditate nor believe in the Bible is sad, without a sign or any wonder of God. On the other hand, those who understand the heavenly plan and call on the Father to accomplish it are examples to all. In the history of Israel, we find Jabez, which means born in pain (1 Chronicles 4.9,10). This man would have been a simple Israelite, had he not acted prudently and with faith. He might have been someone who lived on alms and people’s help, but he was more distinguished than his brothers.

Jabez’ contemporaries accepted a mediocre life, and he could have done nothing about it, because he had been born in the midst of suffering. However, he took the opportunity to live differently from the others. Jabez understood that with God he could change his life. So, he prayed, and everything he asked for was granted. Whoever does not waste the testimony of God Himself in His Word will also be a blessing.

The Bible describes it this way: Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain… So God granted him what he requested (1 Chronicles 4.9,10). Do you agree to be more illustrious than those of your generation? Then pray!

God is looking for people who will make a difference in the world, according to the teachings of His Son: But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him (John 4.23). We only have this time to know the Lord and His will, in order to do what pleases Him. He seeks those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. What do you say?

Being more distinguished than others will make a difference in the way you live and serve God. Paul said that the Lord called us to show Himself through us: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1.27). It doesn’t matter where you come from, but your faith. Will you use it or waste it? Israel was told that it would be for a sign and a wonder. What is your decision?

The change you make in your life will also follow your descendants. Either they will be a blessing, or they will go through life as those born of pain. It’s better that they be examples for every one of their generation and those to come. Never give yourself to error, but to God, who will confirm you as a person who knew how to make a difference. Act with prudence!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares