There will be Signs

 

A catchy phrase has been circulating on social media: "If I won the lottery, I wouldn't tell anyone, but there would be signs." Many different variations of what those signs might be were displayed. I couldn't help but wonder what evidence of my lottery win would look like, so I asked my daughters about theirs. It was truly amusing to see the different ways they imagined indulging in luxury. Our youngest surprised me the most when she said she wouldn't spend it; instead, she would save it.

Winning the lottery is expressed differently by everyone.

I was reminded of this catchphrase while reading about John the Baptist. He was calling people to repentance, urging them to turn from their ways and come to God. People were deeply moved by his preaching and came in large crowds to hear him. Even some religious leaders of that time became curious and sought him out. In that moment, I felt like John was saying, "If you are truly touched by the gospel, you don't have to tell anyone; there will be signs." John encouraged people to demonstrate their repentant hearts, emphasizing that there would be evidence of genuine transformation. Being touched by the message of the gospel does not manifest differently for everyone in this context. God will transform the heart to resemble His own.

We should do those things that prove we have turned to God and changed the way we think and act (Luke 3:8).

When the crowd asked, "What should we do?" or, in other words, "What are those signs?" John replied, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry. Do not cheat your neighbors," and so on.

A friend of mine recently shared her experience. She is an accountant by trade and has always been a micromanager when it comes to her household finances. "I budgeted every single purchase," she said. However, for some time now, she has been a devoted follower of the Word, and her passion for knowing Him has grown so much that He began to transform her heart. "None of it mattered to me anymore," she explained. "I was willing to give it all away." Suddenly, she became more aware of the needs of others. "I started noticing people in need everywhere," she said. There were sure signs of her transformation.