Everywhere a Sign

God spoke to King Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” When Ahaz refused, God said, “Then I myself will choose the sign: See this young woman who is pregnant? By the time her child is old enough to know right from wrong, the threat of war will be over.” – Isaiah 7:10-16 (adapted) 

If you’re longing for a divine sign that all will be well, a holy omen that God’s goodness will work out a way, you’re not alone.  

King Ahaz wanted a divine sign of assurance in the face of rising political threats. God offered a sign as lofty as the stars. “It’s too much,” Ahaz protested. God offered a sign as certain as death’s door. “I don’t want you to go to any great lengths,” Ahaz demurred. 

Give me comfort that is right-sized, please and thank you. And surely God sighed such a mighty sigh that olive trees bent in the wind and crows startled into the sky. 

“Fine, I’ll give you a practical sign,” God told Ahaz. “Count this young woman’s months of pregnancy and her son’s early childhood. That’s how much time will pass before the threats have ceased. On that day, everyone will eat curds and honey.” On that day, God’s sign of comfort will become God’s fulfillment of goodness. 

God gave Ahaz a right-sized sign: a tangible measure he could count on his fingers, a growing measure he could watch unfold before him, a flesh-and-blood measure he could recognize. A divine sign for human understanding. 

If you’re waiting for a divine sign that all will be well, a holy portent of comfort that God’s justice will be realized and evil will be vanquished, there’s no shortage of signs … but maybe tune your heart most particularly to the flesh-and-blood signs you witness every day. The ones that grow and strive and change. The ones that love and break and love again. The ones that extend grace and don’t give up hope. 

Prayer
Lord, make a sign out of my life, even as I watch for a sign in the world around me.