1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

the kingdom of God is in the midst ofyou." Luke 17:20,21. R.V. margin.Whatever induced the question, it isevident from the Lord's answer, thatthey suspicioned that he might be presentyet unrecognized by the world, andpossibly by even his saints, unless someexpected sign should indicate hispresence.Some who overlook the Lord's statementthat the kingdom of heaven comethnot with outward demonstration, andwho think that the second advent ofJesus will be accompanied with wonderfuloutward demonstration, put a veryforced construction upon this word sign,and look for some visible manifestationin the sky. With their ideas of themanner of Christ's coming, no signwould be necessary. But such an interpretationof the word sign is out ofharmony with common as well as Scripturalusage. Clouds are a sign of stormand rain; smoke is a sign of fire; frostand snow may be signs of cold weather;falling foliage is a sign of autumn. Likewisewhen the Lord is present, and thespecially appointed work of his presenceis in progress, those works will, to thosewho can appreciate them, be a sign ofhis presence.All Christians should be most deeplyinterested in this question, What shallbe the sign, indication or evidence ofthe Lord's presence and the closing ofour age? In his answer, the Master'sfirst aim was to put us (for his wordswere specially for all the Church) onguard against some who would assumehis name (Christ-ians), and deceivemany by saying that the kingdom ofGod has come; that they are the DELIVERERor Messiah, and that theirdominion is the kingdom of God. Hesays: "Beware that no one deceiveyou, for many will assume my namesaying, I am the Messiah." (Matt. 24:5