by Larry A. Hoffsis

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.                –John 20:30-31

I am struck by what the gospel-writer John said about Jesus and signs. Jesus didn’t “make” them, He “did” them!

I’m accustomed to seeing signs carried by various groups for the purpose of proclaiming a message. The marchers start with a poster-board, grab a wide-brush Sharpie, think-up a clever saying, and attach the poster to a stick for waving above their heads.

Again, by contrast, Jesus didn’t “make” His signs, He “did” them. Many signs. So many, that John could not possibly include them all in his book. All of the signs Jesus did shared one purpose: that those who witnessed them, or would hear about them, might come to trust Jesus as the One sent from God that all might have life in his name.

I’d actually like to “do” a sign for Jesus myself, but I’m still contemplating what that might be.

In the meantime, I’m “chomping at the bit” to take my turn at mowing down at Austin. Possibly it’s because mounting that new Gravely ZTR six-foot swath mower brings out a tractor-driving, farmer-boy nostalgia in me. When I get the call from Dick Lane that it’s mowing time, that’ll be a sign that the grass is growing at Austin.

I’m also eager to spend time at Austin because I know that will give me a chance to watch the construction as the south wall is removed, new space is created for worship and current space re-purposed for study and fellowship. I love stuff that grows: like grass…like buildings…like congregations…like faith. It’s destined to be an interesting summer and fall.
Still, I’d like to “do” a sign for Jesus.

I’ve heard that our Austin campus neighbors are intrigued by our building and grounds (that makes me pleased) and by all the activity they see, especially the sand volleyball. Even though our electronic sign on Sheehan ought to tip them off, many do not know we’re a church.

Once the construction starts, I hope a curious neighbor drives in, while I’m putting the mower away, to ask what we really are. I’ve already rehearsed my lines: “Nope, this is not just an activity center, this is a church, where people meet-up with Jesus. This here is a growing place.”

Wait-maybe that would qualify as “doing” a sign.