Pay attention to signs

As Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation.              — Luke 11:30

The road was smooth and we were making good progress as we headed for Jay’s dad’s house in South Carolina. As we drove through the mountains in Tennessee, I began seeing detour signs. But Jay kept going, so I assumed that they didn’t apply to us. Shortly before we reached the North Carolina border, we came to a sign that said the highway ahead was closed due to a rock slide. We would have to turn around. Jay was surprised. “Why wasn’t there any warning?” he wanted to know. “There were lots of warnings,” I said. “Didn’t you see the signs?” “No,” he said, “why didn’t you mention them?” “I assumed that you saw them,” I answered. We now tell this story to entertain our friends.

Throughout history, God provided plenty of “signs” to show people the way to live, but they kept going their own way. When God finally sent His Son as a sign (Luke 11:30), the religious leaders paid little attention to His warnings. Life for them was good. They were recognized and respected (v.43). They resented being told that they were wrong (v.45).

We can be the same way. When life is going well, we tend to ignore warnings that we need to turn around and change our sinful ways. It’s important to remember that we may be wrong even though life is good.      — Julie Ackerman Link

God gives us warnings to prevent

What comes from falling into sin;

But if we do ignore — and fall —

Confession cleanses us within. — Sper  

READ: Luke 11:29-45

God sends warnings to protect us, not to punish us.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Samuel 19-21; Luke 11:29-54