Sign

Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed

 - From Psalm 86

Christ said that a faithless and perverse generation seeks a sign. He was referring to those that taunted Him: "Do a miracle for us, and we'll believe." However, for years I have taken the Lord's assertion quite seriously, and literally. I would make a point not to expect signs from the Lord. I would try not to even think about it. The desire for a sign is akin to a works-based religion. It is not operating fully on faith.

But then there's the case of Thomas, the Apostle. He said, "Unless I see the scars on His hands, and put my hand into the wound on His side, I will not believe." He was looking for an ultimate sign, and was basing his faith on hard, scientific proof. Jesus said that people that did not need such proof were blessed. Thomas was not cast out, on account of his need for evidence.

And of course, the Psalms seem to be full of pleadings for proof, for signs. But this is because the Psalmist is so often in fear of mortal danger. We are as children . . . it is not normal or healthy for us to live in fear. Fear begets resentment and hate. It is the goal of a parent, to shield his or her child from fear. Or at least, it is the goal of conscientious parents.

It is okay to ask for signs, to need signs.

Sometimes, signs in our lives help our witness. The Psalmist writes here, that a sign might show God's favor towards him or her. What might this look like? Being saved, miraculously, from an accidental death? A complete recovery from a fatal illness? Winning the lottery? Whatever the case . . . the sign of favor takes such a form, that the people that hate the Psalmist clearly see it. They get it, they understand it. They conclude that they were wrong to hate the Psalmist, to the point where they feel shame.

Nobody wants to be hated, especially someone with a clear conscience, and charitable attitude. People adopt a nice disposition, because it is better to be liked, than hated. In order for a nice person to be hated, a culture must emerge, that countenances hate towards people, on the basis of externalities and superficialities. You can only hate a nice person, if you are a bigot.

When you have done everything right - you have cultivated a charitable and selfless lifestyle and career - and yet people still hate you, in desperation you go to God. You may then ask for a sign.

God - I have done everything I know how to do. Yet, I am still hated. Give me a sign.

June 17, 2020. The world needs a sign. Now.