Matthew 16:1-4 - Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
There’s a lot going on in this world. In fact, the Bible has prophesied it. I hesitate writing things like this because it might be considered doom and gloom, or I out of my mind. Fortunately, for some, this is an exciting time. For some, we see the signs that the Lord's return is near. Oh, we've heard date setters destroying biblical credibility. The Bible states we cannot know the day or hour. But...as Jesus says above, we can know the signs of His appearing.
Ancient men, long before Jesus, spoke about the things to come. It’s why there is a Bible. It was written that we may know about the wars and rumors of war, the weather, violence, the blatant immoral acts and lifestyles. See what the Bible has to say... All predicted as man has chosen his own way of life rather than God’s. To even be accepting of these things is wrong in His eyes, as difficult as that sounds. Look at the words Jesus used above...they were rather harsh. The Pharisees and Sadducees were learned religious leaders. But they turned many blind eyes to the truth Jesus spoke. Others do the same.
Jesus spoke to show that no matter what happens in this world, we can be saved from it in the end, through Him. He came to seek and save the lost. He came that we might have an abundant spiritual life which includes eternal life in Him. He knew and knows that this world's only hope for peace and security is a Savior and He is it. Man cannot do it. We cannot save ourselves, no matter how good we think we are (pride). No man is good, not one the Book of Roman 3 states.
I’m writing this on an especially beautiful snowy, white, clean-looking day.
I know deep in my spirit that only God could bring about such beauty. I think of the scripture that says: “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
What's the connection? When I see the beauty in this day, I know Who has created it. I do not worship the creation, but I worship the Creator. I know Him personally. I trust in Him. I know what His Word says, though I’m not an expert, but I know it is the truth. How do I know? His Spirit lives in me and teaches me. He shows me things and He has shown me scriptures relating to these days we live in. I am grateful to have this understanding, though I don’t get it all. I just know that Jesus came one day to save the lost so that upon death or His second coming, I would know I was safe in Him.
As a bonus, I recognize the signs of the times. And it's exciting to me.
As a bonus, I recognize the signs of the times. And it's exciting to me.
This day with all its temporary beauty is a reminder of He who is never-ending, what He has done for those who love Him, how I have no need to worry because I am secure in Christ. Because one day I realized my need for Him and embraced Him and His truth. I'm thankful that I believe this, despite what others might think. I will continue to praise HIM.
Psalm 51:6-7 - Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
