“The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ So he left them and departed.
“When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ They began discussing it among themselves, saying, ‘We brought no bread.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said, ‘O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:1-4 (5-12)
“He will be the stability of your times,
abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” Isaiah 33:6
“Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” 2 Timothy 3:1
Jesus taught practically and with illustration so His disciples would understand what they heard. To emphasize the importance of gleaning biblical wisdom for their times and applying what had been experienced or observed, the Master followed up His response to the Pharisees with a warning. Until they took seriously what had already been conveyed or revealed, their eyes would be closed to further illumination. Dull hearts would yield dull understanding. He would not continue to divulge spiritual mysteries if they refused to receive by faith what was revealed. (Jeremiah 5:21-25; Matthew 13:11-16)
History and current events and our comprehension don’t just happen in a vacuum. Decisions bring about consequences, actions cause reactions, and the Lord God’s eternal plans cannot be thwarted. It’s important as God’s children to perceive the times in which we live, and orient our living accordingly. This takes a deep understanding of God’s word and ways, a determined practice of looking at the world and events through this filter, and faith to believe what has been revealed whether we like it or not. (1 Chronicles 12:32; Psalm 36:9; 119:18,104-105; Proverbs 4:7; 18:15; Isaiah 14:24; 50:4; Amos 3:3-7; Matthew 16:21-23)
What will we do to develop into people who understand the times? When and how do we prayerfully seek wisdom and study our culture? As we grow, God will use our spiritual insight and perception of His hand at work to build up those around us through instruction, warning, and encouragement.
Lord, hone my mind and sight to understand what You are doing in the world, so in these times, my expectation, security, hope, strength, and delight are in You alone, and reflect You to others.
As the rain and snow 