Signs and Symbols

Philippians 1:27 “without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” (NIV)

(The following devotional was taken from St Charles Bible Church, St Charles MN – June 24, 2018)

     I stood in front of the counter at the variety story in Shasta, California, and wondered what all the pennants, symbols and drawings were meant to portray.  I recognized some of them—mostly different symbols from the occult.  They were ‘bravely’ hanging on the wall, assuming that everyone who stopped to take a look knew what they meant.  Of course, other organizations, including the church, have developed icons that we recognize immediately.  I frequently see signs of a fish or a cross on bumper stickers, and I recognize that someone has at least some Christian sentiments.  There are of course other symbols like the eastern star, the moon, a swastika, or the Muslim symbol of a star in the circle (or crescent) of the moon. 

The world we live in is full of signs and symbols.  In the commercial world, it’s called “branding”.  Some companies have been very successful at creating icons that we recognize immediately.  Who hasn’t seen the logo of Aflac or GEICO and didn’t think of a duck or a green lizard?  When I say, “The Golden Arches” or “The Big Apple”, what comes to your mind?   

The vision of heaven that John records in Revelation 5 has a lot of symbols, too.   When John has difficulty understanding the truth of Jesus’ revelation and struggles with the ability to communicate it, Jesus provides him symbols. The symbols include the image of a lion, a lamb, a dragon, a scroll, lamp stands, precious stones, lightning, thunder, fire, and rivers. 

Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, lived in the last days before the tragic military attack that left the nation of Israel devastated.  His pleas for repentance, humility, and obedience that could have restored the peace of Jerusalem fell on deaf ears like wind chimes in a thunderstorm.  What the armies of Babylon from the north didn’t ravish and destroy, the vultures of Assyria waited to pick at the carcass.  But Isaiah will not be hushed.  In chapter 8:18, he writes: “Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.”  The old priest, Simeon, who blessed the infant, Jesus, echoes the same idea: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,…” (Luke 2:34).  When the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippian church, he encourages them to be brave despite persecution because, he says, “This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” (Phil. 1:28) 

The question that challenges me—when people see me, are they reminded of my Jesus?  What kind of “sign” am I ?

   Pastor Jim B

 ‘ 47 / ’56 St Charles MN