Day 10 — Signs That Point to the Saviour

Day 10 — Signs That Point to the Saviour

Writer – Josh

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20 (NIV)

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29–30 (NIV)

Topic: Evangelism / Power

Prayer focus: Seek the Lord for power to be witness and demonstrate his kingdom

Reflection:

Jesus never intended for signs to overpower the message. Signs never took precedent over the mission. Miracles were never used for the sake of curiosity, spectacle, or legitimising the Church.

However, it is clear, signs were to come, they are to be common and they are to point to Jesus. I look back on my own journey and God interrupted my life through the supernatural. My mind was absolutely challenged but even greater, my ability to live without his presence and power was made clear.

Hebrews 2:3–4 (NIV) says

“How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

Note the declaration and demonstration of the Gospel is seen, confirmed in preaching and testimony, ‘testified to it by sign, wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit…” Signs didn’t glorify the messenger, they glorified the Saviour that was being declared.

Look at what the early Church prays for in Acts 4. Notice what they do not pray for: safety, popularity, or reputation. First they ask for boldness. Boldness to keep proclaiming God’s word in the midst of danger. Then they pray, “Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 

Notice again that they do not pray for signs; they pray that God would use signs to point to Jesus.

When the church embraces power without Christ at the centre we cheapen the gospel. But when we keep Jesus at the centre, power is used for His glory and His truth will advance. Declaration without demonstration may inform, but it often does not transform.

Demonstration without declaration may impress, but it often misdirects.

Declaration and demonstration together testify to both the person and the power of Christ.

The church in every age faces the temptation to go one way or another, declaration

without demonstration, or demonstration without declaration. Let us never fall for this false dichotomy.

Jesus Himself promised signs would follow those who believed. A bold church both trusts God to act and keeps their eyes fixed on the message of the cross.

Let’s pray that we would have courage to preach the gospel, not for our own recognition or attention but so that people may see Jesus.

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, fill us with boldness to speak your word and humility to always keep You in view. May You stretch out Your hand according to Your will, and may every miracle clearly point to You. Make us bold witnesses who use our words and power faithfully for Your glory. Amen.

Questions for reflection

1.     Where and when do I tend to become timid? Scared of the consequences of declaring the truth about Jesus?

2.     What does boldness look like for me declaring and demonstrating the gospel today?

3.     How can I ensure Jesus remains my focus, not results or displays of power?