15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

The sun came back the ten steps it had advanced. 

Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was desperate.   Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, had declared war on all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them.   Now he was heading toward Jerusalem, the capital and Hezekiah’s home.   And to make matters even worse, Hezekiah was facing a mortal illness.   He turned to God in fervent prayer, and the Lord sent Isaiah with a message:   Hezekiah would be healed, and the Lord would rescue the city.

Could this word be true?   Hezekiah humbly asked for a sign.   And what a sign he received:   God actually changed the course of the sun!

It might be hard to believe, but God was not offended by Hezekiah’s request.   On the contrary, he was happy to oblige.   He wanted to show Hezekiah—and all the people of Jerusalem—his love and faithfulness.

Throughout Scripture, God has spoken through dramatic signs.   Gideon saw the morning dew dampen only the ground and not a fleece blanket he had laid out (Judges 6:39-40).   Balaam heard God’s message through a talking donkey (Numbers 22).   And Noah saw a rainbow in the sky as proof of God’s covenant love (Genesis 9:11-17).

God is still sending us signs today.   He can be very creative in these signs as he tries to get our attention.   Maybe you feel a strong tugging in your heart urging you to call an old friend.   You may have a dream that stays with you long after you have woken up.   Perhaps you are in the middle of a project at work and suddenly feel prompted to pray for someone.   Even rays of sunshine breaking through clouds can be his way of reminding you that he is with you.

So stay alert.   God will be trying to get in touch with you as the day unfolds.   Know that he will be sending you signs today.   Some may be obvious, and others may be subtle.   He may offer you guidance, or he may simply encourage you.   All you need are open eyes, open ears, and an open heart.   God will take care of the rest.

“Holy Spirit, I don’t want to miss your signs today.   Help me to stay alert so that I can hear you and see your work in my life.”

(Psalm) Isaiah 38:10-12, 16
Matthew 12:1-8