Signs of the Times
Luke 12:56, “Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?” (NKJ)
Devotion:
Have you ever been called out and corrected? It’s an embarrassing moment for most. I can only imagine how the Pharisees felt when they were called out by Jesus. When Jesus called your name, He always presented truth, leaving no room for argument.
In verse 54 of Luke chapter 12, it first appears that Jesus was giving the crowd a weather report. “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out.” Actually, Jesus was presenting truth.
He was upset that they could read the signs of the sky and earth and determine if it was going to rain, or be hot and dry, but they couldn’t discern the signs of the times – that the Messiah had come. By calling out the Pharisees, Jesus was pointing out that they should have gotten it. It was as plain as the noses on their faces.
Exactly what time was it? It was the day of Salvation. It was the day of the coming of Christ. The Jews knew this day was coming. They had read about it in their Torah. They had heard it preached. They had even been told what the people would be doing when the Messiah arrived.
That time had come. Christ was in their midst, performing miracles and fulfilling prophecy that had been foretold for centuries… right in front of their faces. And yet, they did not see that this was the day of deliverance.
Jesus had come for all. He came providing freedom from sin, comfort for the hurting, healing for the sick, peace for the anxious, strength for the weak, and sight for the blind. All they had longed for, prayed for, and hoped for had arrived; but they refused to see that Christ was their answer.
Today, Christ is still the reply to all our needs. There is only one response for each of us: “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Just as the sky reveals signs as to whether it will be a rainy or a sunny day, there are spiritual signs that let us know the times in which we are living.
The question that Jesus is asking this generation is the same question He was asking then: “Can you distinguish the signs of the times, or are you ignoring them?”
What time is it? Is it time for Jesus to come again?
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:4-8).
These signs point to the end times and Christ’s return. For many, this is exciting news. They have been waiting and watching for Christ to return. Others have ignored the signs. Perhaps they prefer to live for themselves and for earthly pleasures, but all of that will one day pass away. The only true life that lasts forever is found in Christ Jesus. Today, He is still the answer you seek, but time is growing short.
The signs are as plain as a woman in labor. Birth pains have been predicting the coming of Christ for a long time. Lately they are getting stronger and closer together. It’s almost time for Christ’s return. Will you heed the sign?
Dear Lord, open the eyes of our generation so that we may see You and Your salvation, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Micca Campbell's Testimony DVD
Purposeful-Living, an ETC Corner article
Application Steps:
To discover Christ, click here: Do You Know Him?
Reflections:
What signs indicate Christ is working in this generation, drawing all people to Him?
What are the signs that reveal Christ is coming soon?
Are you ready for Christ should He come today?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 46:10, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (NIV)
Mathew 24:13, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (NIV)
I Thessalonians 5:23, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Thursday, 15 February 2007.
SHARE
