Most successful deer hunters have learned the importance of looking for signs. A friend of mine once said, “Animals don’t wear diapers and eat at McDonald’s.” Wherever game presents itself it will leave the tale-tell signs of disturbance. There may be a clear imprint of a track, a matted down area used as a bed, a thrashed tree on which a buck rubbed the velvet off its antlers, cool moist areas that the animals used to role in, feces droppings, and traces of urine flows. By analyzing these signs, you can predict the type of game, its gender and approximate size.
The Creator of the universe who made all things has also left His signs for us to follow. The Apostle Paul pointed out that the evidences of God’s presence are so numerous and obvious that everyone knows something about Him. In His creation we see His majesty, His unfathomable wisdom, His power to give life, and His amazing creativity.
Consequently, no one has a valid reason for not acknowledging His existence. Paul points us to the reality of the Creator, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
God has left the prints of His invisible fingers all over creation. David spent many years as a shepherd tending sheep on the hills. I imagine he spent many a night wrapped in his cloak, laying on his back, staring at the heavens.
David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech; they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 19:1–4)
The greatest sign of all God gave when His Son Jesus Christ died on Calvary’s cross, was buried in a tomb, and rose again on the third day. With an empty tomb and nail prints in His hands and feet, Jesus appeared to more than 500 witnesses after His resurrection.
When He ascended into heaven, He left His indwelling Holy Spirit who continues to testify about Jesus through myriads of His followers whose lives He is transforming. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
Today, we all watch eagerly as we recognize the signs of His soon return!
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1:1–4
Personal Application
- What do you see in nature that testifies to the wonder of the Creator?
- How can you use your joy of the outdoors to share the wonders of the Creator with others?
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5