SIGNS YOU ARE ENTERING A NEW SEASON
This morning, I wish to encourage you to recognize that God desires for you to be attuned to the divine signals that surround us. We have been exploring the theme of transformation, specifically the concept of a “new me,” and as we conclude this series today, it is crucial to remember that initiating this transformation requires not only a deep hunger and thirst for change but also the ability to discern these divine signals. I urge you to engage with those around you and ask, “Can you see the signs?” It is imperative that we cultivate the ability to recognize these signals, as they guide us through the cyclical nature of life. The Scriptures remind us that as long as the earth endures, the cycles of seedtime and harvest will persist. Missing a divine signal can result in a prolonged wait for the next opportunity, as some signals may take considerable time to reappear.
Consider the life of Moses, whose experiences unfolded in cycles of forty years.
If one were to miss a cycle, as Moses did, it could mean waiting another four decades for the next opportunity. During his first forty years in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses was unaware that God was preparing him for a significant shift in his life’s purpose. This period marked the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, as God began to stir within him a sense of his true calling: to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Although Moses approached this monumental task with fervor, he initially lacked the knowledge and vision necessary for such an undertaking. The Bible teaches us that without vision, people perish, underscoring the importance of clarity and understanding as we navigate our own journeys of transformation.
Moses, once a man of privilege and education, found himself in a tragic turn of events that led him to commit murder, ultimately transforming him into a fugitive. This marked the beginning of a significant period in his life, spanning another forty years. As we delve into Exodus Chapter 3, verse 1, we witness the next phase of Moses’ journey. He is depicted as tending to the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, a stark contrast to his earlier life where he was groomed for greatness, receiving an education that rivaled that of the pharaohs. Despite his noble beginnings, he now finds himself in the humble role of a shepherd, a position that belies his potential and past.
If one were to encounter Moses in the desert during this time, they might perceive him merely as a shepherd boy, unaware of the extraordinary destiny that lay ahead. A friend who only knew him in this context might dismiss him as just another hired hand, oblivious to the fact that God had chosen him to be a deliverer. This perspective highlights the profound disconnect between human perception and divine purpose. Moses, who would eventually lead two million people through the wilderness, exemplifies the complexities of leadership and the challenges of guiding a diverse group. His journey serves as a reminder that true greatness often emerges from the most unexpected circumstances, and that the roles we occupy do not define our potential or the impact we can have on the world.
The intricacies and challenges of project management extend beyond mere logistics; they encompass the delicate balance of overseeing individuals and resources while persuading and guiding those involved. Moses, a figure of profound significance, was not merely an ordinary leader; the Bible describes him as the meekest of men, endowed with extraordinary qualities that set him apart. Leading a multitude of two million people through the wilderness, he faced a myriad of challenges: the cries of children, the complaints of women, the distractions of men, and the incessant demands for sustenance. To an observer, Moses might have appeared unremarkable, perhaps even mundane, lacking any extraordinary traits. However, in the eyes of God, he was recognized as a powerful deliverer, a role that could have easily been overlooked had Moses not been attuned to the divine signs around him.
While tending to the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses ventured into the desolate regions of the desert, ultimately arriving at Horeb, the mountain of God. It was here that the angel of the Lord manifested in a flame of fire within a bush that burned yet remained unconsumed. This miraculous sight prompted Moses to investigate further, leading him to declare his intention to turn aside and witness this extraordinary phenomenon. It was at this pivotal moment that God called out to him, affirming the importance of his decision to engage with the divine signal. This narrative serves as a reminder of the necessity to remain vigilant and receptive to divine messages, especially in an age filled with distractions and superficial entertainment, where many may overlook significant opportunities for growth and transformation.
It is evident that a significant transformation is taking place, akin to a Hollywood narrative, where the protagonist must shift focus from the familiar realm of sheep to the more complex domain of human relationships. This transition signifies the conclusion of an era dedicated to tending to sheep, as the individual is now called to shepherd people through the challenges of life, much like he did with his flock. This journey underscores the profound connection that exists even during difficult times; it is during these low seasons that one is often being prepared for greater responsibilities. The notion that God continues to work in our lives, even when circumstances appear bleak, is a powerful reminder that every experience serves a purpose in our spiritual growth and development.
The path that Moses traversed with his sheep ultimately became the same route he would later guide the Israelites through, illustrating that familiarity with one’s journey can be a source of strength. Despite the hardships he faced, Moses remained attuned to the signals from God, which allowed him to avoid unnecessary delays in fulfilling his divine purpose. Had he overlooked these signs, he might have found himself wandering for another forty years, as was the case during their subsequent journey in the wilderness. However, through perseverance and attentiveness to God’s direction, significant milestones were achieved, such as the crossing of the Red Sea and liberation from Egyptian oppression. This narrative emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and responsive to divine signals, as exemplified by figures like Rahab, who recognized the shift in her circumstances and acted accordingly, thereby aligning herself with God’s unfolding plan.
In a moment of urgency, a plea was made for assistance, indicating that a significant event was imminent. This situation provided an opportunity for her to align herself with the lineage of Christ. Changes in life can often manifest in natural ways; for instance, the extraordinary events surrounding Moses were undeniably supernatural. However, there are instances where transitions may appear more mundane, such as a job transfer or relocation. This concept is echoed in the biblical narrative of Abraham in Genesis chapter 12, where God instructed him to leave his homeland and kindred for a destination yet to be revealed. This seemingly simple act of moving marked the commencement of a new chapter in Abraham’s life. Similarly, a change in employment can herald a fresh start, and it is essential not to overlook these transitions. One should seek divine guidance regarding the significance of these new beginnings, as they may hold deeper meaning.
Moreover, a shift in one’s desires can also serve as an indication of a new direction. The scripture advises that by delighting in the service of the Lord, one’s heart’s desires will be fulfilled. When a persistent yearning arises within, it may signal that God is prompting a new beginning. This notion is further illustrated in 2 Kings chapter 6, where the sons of the prophets expressed their discomfort to Elisha, stating that their current living conditions were inadequate. Their feelings of being cramped and constrained acted as a catalyst for change, prompting them to seek a new location by the Jordan River. This narrative underscores the idea that sometimes discomfort or pain can serve as a powerful signal for new beginnings, urging individuals to respond to the call for transformation and growth.
In the narrative, individuals are encouraged to gather materials to construct a dwelling, prompting a journey that leads to the loss of an axe head. This incident serves as a backdrop for Elisha’s miraculous intervention, which symbolizes the divine opportunity for renewal and transformation. It highlights the notion that God, as the embodiment of new beginnings, seeks to alleviate persistent suffering. Often, individuals become accustomed to their pain, inadvertently establishing coping mechanisms for issues that God intends to heal. By doing so, they may inadvertently create barriers to the very healing and transformation that God desires for them, thus remaining trapped in a cycle that is contrary to His divine plan.
The discussion then shifts to the importance of recognizing and adapting to changes in one’s life circumstances, particularly in the context of marriage. Newlyweds are reminded that their status has shifted, necessitating a reevaluation of their previous lifestyles. This transition marks a significant new chapter, and it is essential to embrace this change rather than cling to old habits. The central inquiry posed is about personal growth and transformation—how one has evolved in terms of mindset, demeanor, and intellect. When acquaintances remark that one has not changed, it may serve as a wake-up call, urging reflection on whether one is truly progressing or remaining stagnant in their personal development.
Attending a reunion or social gathering can often lead to surprising observations about oneself, particularly when others remark on how little one has changed over the years. It is perplexing to consider that after three decades since leaving high school, individuals might still perceive you in the same light as they did back then. This raises questions about personal growth and transformation; ideally, one would expect that significant life experiences would foster change in behavior, speech, and overall demeanor. The notion that one continues to communicate in the same manner as in their youth can be disconcerting, as it suggests a lack of development. The biblical reference to Paul highlights this concept, where he articulates the transition from childhood to maturity, emphasizing the necessity of discarding childish behaviors. If others consistently remark that you have not changed, it may indicate a stagnation in your personal evolution, underscoring the importance of striving for growth and adaptation in various aspects of life.
Moreover, the signals of change can often be spiritual in nature, as illustrated by the story of Moses. In this narrative, God sought Moses’ attention to instill a sense of reverence and awareness of His divine orchestration in Moses’ life. The moment Moses recognized this spiritual signal, he chose to respond, demonstrating the importance of being attuned to such calls. Many individuals, however, find themselves caught in the relentless pace of modern life, which can hinder their ability to prioritize spiritual matters and recognize these vital signals. A parallel can be drawn from the experience of Peter, a prominent figure among Jesus’ disciples, who encountered a profound spiritual vision while preparing to eat. This event serves as a reminder that even those deeply engaged in spiritual pursuits can overlook significant messages if they are not adequately attuned to the spiritual realm. Thus, it is essential to cultivate an awareness of both personal and spiritual growth to avoid the pitfalls of stagnation.
The narrative describes a significant moment when the dietary restrictions imposed on Israel were symbolically lifted, indicating a divine message of transformation.
The essence of this revelation was that God was signaling a new era, as articulated by Jesus, who emphasized that His mission was primarily directed towards the lost sheep of the house of Israel, specifically the Jewish people. During His earthly ministry, the focus remained on preaching to the Jews, as Jesus Himself stated that He was sent solely for them. However, following His departure, the gospel was intended to be shared with all humanity. Despite this shift, Peter and others continued to concentrate their efforts on the Jewish community, prompting God to remind them that what He has declared clean should not be deemed unclean. This message was underscored during a New Year’s Eve service, where the concept of “kosher” food was discussed, illustrating the need to embrace change as a new season unfolds.
The importance of recognizing and seizing moments of divine visitation is further illustrated in the lamentation of Jesus over Jerusalem, as recorded in Luke 19:41-44. As Jesus approached the city, He was moved to tears, expressing sorrow for those who failed to recognize the significance of the time they were in and the peace that was available to them. He prophesied the impending destruction that would befall Jerusalem, warning that their enemies would surround the city and bring devastation upon it, a prophecy that ultimately came to fruition due to their inability to acknowledge their moment of visitation. This serves as a poignant reminder that the physical structures and achievements of a place, such as Jerusalem, are inconsequential if the spiritual opportunities are overlooked. It is a call to vigilance and awareness, urging individuals to be attuned to the divine signals in their lives, ensuring that they do not miss their own moments of divine intervention and blessing.
May divine grace be bestowed upon you to discern heavenly signals throughout this year, in the name of Jesus. As we embark on this new decade, every endeavor you undertake will flourish, and nothing will diminish. I urge you to respond with a fervent “Amen,” as if you are parched for affirmation. Glory be to Jesus; I proclaim glory be to Jesus. In Psalm 102, verse 13, it is stated that you will rise and show compassion towards Zion, for the appointed time for her favor has arrived. It is crucial to recognize that many individuals overlook their designated moments; thus, it is imperative to be prepared to engage when God manifests His presence. The time for favor is indeed upon us.
Reflecting on Genesis 18, we see God’s visitation to Abraham and Sarah, where He provided them with a specific timeline. Abraham had endured a prolonged wait, but God declared that by the same time next year, Sarah would bear a child. Sarah, however, nearly missed this divine signal as she was concealed within the tent, overhearing the conversation and laughing silently in disbelief. God, aware of the innermost thoughts of humanity, questioned Abraham about Sarah’s laughter. It is vital to ensure that doubt does not hinder your ability to perceive God’s messages. For those who have come here today, much like Hannah at Shiloh, this is your moment. As you partake in the communion, longstanding issues will find resolution, and delays will be lifted, for there is nothing beyond the power of the blood. The blood serves as our ultimate assurance, and when it is recognized, obstacles will be overcome.
The patterns that have persisted within the family lineage are destined to manifest repeatedly, as previously articulated, and will begin to influence your life as the divine presence is invoked in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is essential to nurture a heightened spiritual awareness in order to discern the signals that are genuinely inspired by God. Consider what messages God may be conveying to you regarding this new chapter in your life. As you engage in the communion service this morning, I perceive that an individual’s spiritual sensitivity is being significantly enhanced.