God’s Glory
A Christmas Sign
By Kevin W. Earls
“This shall be a sign to you . . .”
Sign: That by which anything is make known or represented. A mark, an indication from sign, add a few letters and we get signature. That which represents you legally, by which you are made known or represented is your signature.
If you couldn’t write, you could put down some symbol: “this is my sign, it represents me.”
When God says “this shall be a sign to you” this is my signature, this is that by which I am made known.
If you received a Christmas card without a signature?? What would it be worth to you? It wouldn’t mean anything. We don’t send a communication without affixing our signature. It is a SIGN to the person receiving it as to who it is from. Or what about a present?
Can you imagine that God would communicate to mankind and not affix His signature? If God (the father) communicates to us his children surely we must believe that He has enough wisdom to sign His name so that we will know that the communication is from HIM.
When Jesus came into the world, this was God’s living communication to us, God had communicated with man before and He had given signs to authenticate those communications but the coming of Jesus was God’s supreme and final communication, therefore we can be sure that with these communication God would not fail to leave his imprint, his mark, his sign, and his signature.
We want to show God’s signature in the events which surrounded the birth of Jesus, beginning with the simple sign given to the shepherds and progressing to the more complex signs of the intricate pattern of fulfilled prophecy.
1. Shepherds
Luke 2:8-20 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
“How can we know this is true?”
God gave them a sign, it would be very unusual to find a newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (long strips of cloth) and placed in a borrowed manger (an animal’s feeding trough). Who could know that such a thing had taken place except God, who “signed” His communication to the shepherds in this way.
What happened at the end of his life? He was wrapped in long strips of cloth and laid in a borrowed tomb. He was welcomed born with strips of cloth and was buried in strips of cloth. The burial garments were a sign when Peter and John arrived that He was raised from the dead.
2. The Wise Men
Mt. 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Undoubtedly, they were men from the east who studied the stars, so a sign was given to them in terms that would be meaningful to them. They were from the lands where Israel had been taken captive many years previous; many of the descendants of these captive Israelites were still living in these countries, knew of the Hebrew scriptures and their teaching of the coming Messiah.
It was a common belief among the Israelites that were based in various passages in the Old Testament, especially Num. 24:17. The coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by the appearance of a new star. Brought out in Jewish writings of that day. God gave them a sign they could understand, they believed that all great events were announced by the movements of the stars.
What happened at the end of Jesus’ life? The entire day was darkened as a sign of his death.
3. A Sign to Us
What makes the event real to us? What authenticates the event to us, the whole world, and to all generations? It was a fulfillment of prophecy.
Is 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Is 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
A Son was given; He was the son before he was given (John 3:16). The mighty spirit which was the Son of God incarnated in a human baby. It was a miraculous birth and it was foretold long before it happened. If a virgin conceived then it would be a sign, only God could cause in to happen, a mark of His hand in the birth.
This is exactly what happened, announcement to Mary; “how can this be? I have not had relations with a man.” It was the work of the Holy Spirit. Lk 1:35, Mt. 1:20
The fulfilled prophecy; this constitutes a sign of God’s signature. For who but God could foretell a thing hundreds of years beforehand, and it came to pass in minute fashion. God always puts his credentials on what he communicates to man, in many ways, in more than in any other way God’s signature is fulfilled prophecy.
Not only the virgin birth, but many other prophetic details foretold about his life and death hundreds of years before.
Bethlehem, Micah 5:2. Not just being born in Bethlehem, but putting it all together with the other prophecies.
In his life and ministry, he fulfilled dozens of prophecies which put the mark or sign of God on him. Jesus Christ is God’s living epistle to us, His living communication to lost mankind. What happened at the end of his life? His mother was there probably helped bury him. It was the zeal of the Lord that accomplished his final victory in death.
What would you think of someone who questioned your signature? Or felt that your signature wasn’t good enough for them? Or on a check?
God has shown Himself, He had made Himself known, accept His signature.
On Christmas Day some years ago, a little boy was seen going in and out of his church several times. When asked, “What gift did you ask of the Christ child?” he replied, “I didn’t ask for anything. I was just in there loving Him for a little while.”[1]
[1] Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (63). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
Under Duress
By Kevin W. Earls
As the time was drawing near for the Exodus of Israel from the land of Egypt The Lord sent Moses to His people. He proclaimed the message of freedom that was coming and showed them the signs from God. They worshiped the Lord knowing that He had heard their groaning and knew their sorrows (Ex. 3:7, 4:31). But first, there would be terrible circumstances that would engulf the country. The ten plagues would soon challenge Pharaoh, his people and the gods of Egypt. The Israelites had long endured the slavery and harshness of the authority of Pharaoh with the masters over them bringing bitterness to their lives. It was so terrible that even the lives of new babies were condemned to die.
But before the deliverance came, there was additional pressure on God’s people. When it was known that there was a stirring and yearning for freedom the government added extra conditions that brought more stress on the work and family environments. The mandate was to produce as many bricks as before but not be provided with the component of straw. This necessitated more time and energy given to procure this needed ingredient and brought additional grief. The control that was exerted included harassment and beatings. Then they complained about the pressure (Ex. 5:21). God’s answer was that freedom from oppression would surely come, but in His timing (Ex. 6:1).
Little did they realize that this new stress would prepare them to be in better shape physically and mentally for the road ahead. Scrounging around expending the extra effort would give them greater endurance while traveling to their new home. Considering their condition and slavery to the system would give them greater motivation to obey the Lord at the right time and in the right way.
They were being prepared in a way that was not anticipated.
kevinwearls@gmail.com
Isaiah; Outline of book
Learning about the Holy Spirit
Outline of Matthew chapter 13
Mathew: Book Outline
- Messiah: His Early Years 1:1-4:11
Introduction: His Coming Work
Genealogy and birth of Jesus
John the Baptist
Temptation
2. Announcing the Kingdom 4:12-7:29
Ministry and Teaching for the Multitudes
Ministry in Galilee
Sermon 1: Sermon on the Mount
3. Twelve Miracles: Twelve Men 8:1-11:1
Miracle Days and Teaching for Disciples
Twelve Miracles
Sermon 2: Charge and sending of the Twelve
4. Hidden Wisdom
Teaching, Preaching and Parables 11:2-13:53
Question from John
Rebuke of Cities
Pharisees
Sermon 3: Eight Parables
5. Experiences and Explanations 13:54-19:2
Ministry in Galilee
Herod and John
Sermon 4: Teaching on Greatness and Forgiveness
6. Work of Messiah: His Concluding Weeks 19:3-26:2
Ministry in Judea and Teaching
Teaching and the Pharisees
Sermon 5: Signs and Parables of His Coming Again
Conclusion: The Great Commission 26:3-28:20
Anointing at Bethany
Passover and Resurrection
From Galilee to the Nations
The Father’s Heart
The term Father (pater) is used in the Sermon on the Mount 17 times. (17 is the 7th prime number).
My Father 1
Our Father 1
Your Father 7
Your Father/Heaven 8
Two themes on the Father’s Heart:
What are the heart desires (will) of the Father for you?
What are your heart’s desires for the Father’s will?
Jesus displays and mirrors the Father:
“Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” (John 14:8–11, NKJV)
What are the heart desires (will) of the Father for you?
“If you then, being evil (human), know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11, NKJV)
1. A Healthy Birth (as a child)
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9, NKJV)
2. A Healthy Growth (as a young person)
“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8, NKJV)
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26, NKJV)
“For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:32, NKJV)
3. A Healthy Full Life (as a functioning adult)
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48, NKJV)
What are your heart’s desires for the Father’s will?
1. Father and Sons: Partnership
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, NKJV)
2. Courageous actions:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV)
3. Persistence:
“that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45, NKJV)
4. Generous:
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1, NKJV)
“that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4, NKJV)
5. Communicative:
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6, NKJV)
6. Forgiving:
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15, NKJV)
7. Self-denial:
“so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:18, NKJV)
What is the Father’s will?
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49, NKJV)
“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.” (John 5:19, NKJV)
Water and Blood
Let’s examine the first plague on the land of Egypt.
First Plague: Moses and Aaron were given authority to turn the waters of Egypt into blood (Ex. 7:19-25). What does this mean to us? Water is a type of the human soul with all its emotions and feelings. Blood is the result of human beings killing one another when their emotions get out of control. It shall be like that in these last days. The “water” of human emotions will be so stirred up by passions and desires that it will cause much bloodshed. What will be the cause of this? It will be the people’s reaction to the discipline of the rod, which is the power of God’s word spoken against the godless and licentious living which will abound among the multitudes. The Word, preached in power, will create great division among the people. So many are captive to evil spirits; and the spirit of libertine conduct spreads unchecked throughout all segments of society. Even the church world is losing its moorings, believing less and less of the inspired word and partaking more and more of the reasoning of man based on pseudo-science. In general, people will be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (2 Tim. 3:4). Compromise will be the order of the day; the “water” of human emotions and desires running rampant.
Suddenly, in the midst of all this there will arise a people who speak with God’s authority and who wield a rod of truth to startle and anger the multitudes. Many will hear and convert, but most will arise against those who preach a strict code of righteousness and denounce them as reactionaries. Then the Lord will move to judge, for His word can’t be thwarted. The word spoken in that day will be creative; the very speaking of it will bring it to pass. The multitudes who refuse to hear will receive the judgment of that spoken word. The very speaking of that word of judgment will inevitably turn the waters into blood. In other words, those who refuse truth, confirmed by many signs, will be turned over to the delusion of their perverted knowledge. They will become victims of the instability of their rampant desires, whipped into a frenzy by countless satanic hosts released during this time to try all men.
Because of the conflicting interests of people giving full rein to their perverted desires and the fever pitch created by satanic control and influence, all major issues will be fraught with intense strife. Instead of the due processes of law and order, people will be moved to vigilantism, submitting to intimidation and violence instead of reason. The “water” of soulish desires and emotions will gain complete control of people. The result will be intense conflict and violence, resulting in much bloodshed. This will be the turning of water into blood. Conflicts will arise over race, religion, employment, wages, working conditions, social mores, wealth distribution, education, government, foreign policy, communism, socialism, medicine, health, the press, thought control, and many other issues, which will keep the general condition of society in such a tumultuous ‘fluid’ state that demonstrations, riots, boycotts, strikes, pressures, intimidation and other forms of emotional outburst will be the order of the day, resulting in constant bloodletting. This will be the judgment of the rod, the Word of God, upon people who refused the truth. Left to the instability of their demon-crazed ways, they become the victims of violence and blood. The result of the first plague was simply to ‘harden’ Pharaoh’s heart. Pharaoh is a type of Satan. Thus, you can see how the chaos of the times will enable him to ‘harden’ his control over the people through increasing dictatorial powers placed in the hands of those who are working for absolute supremacy of the beast governments.
First published by J. Leland Earls (1968), revised and edited by Kevin W. Earls.
kevinwearls.com 