DISCERNING THE TIMES -- Monday:
" . . . how is it you do not discern this time?" (Luke 12:56)
It was said of "the children of Issachar," they "were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chron 12:32). These men could understand the signs of the time, having wisdom to act appropriately under the present circumstances. Throughout God's dealings with humanity, those who comprehended the times have always had the advantage. Such individuals do not merely look at what is going on around them, they are able to detect the hand of the Lord, His purposeful working, and what type of life is required under present conditions.
In our text, Jesus was addressing "the multitudes," giving them a word appropriate for all people. He told them of a kind of discernment that was common among them. Because of their experience, and due to common knowledge, they were able to tell when "a shower" was coming, or when there was going to be "hot weather." There were indicators in the sky that, seen properly, told them these things would be. A cloud rising out of the West, and the blowing of a South wind were sure indicators of rain and heat (12:54-55).
But Jesus was not giving a lesson in the forecasting of weather. In a scathing rebuke He said, "You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?" (NASB). Unlike the children of Issachar, they had no understanding of the times, and thus did not know how to conduct themselves.
At that time, the people were being visited by the Lord. He had come down from heaven to them, to show them the way to God, and to effectively address the matter of sin. He came to bring a blessing, and to liberate men from the tyranny of the devil. But that particular multitude did not know that was happening. Therefore they followed Jesus about like He was a mere novelty, providing food when they were hungry, and relieving the sick among them. They were not able to read the times–to see the indicators of Divine visitation that were all around them. They were being confronted with "God manifest in the flesh," and did not know it. Among them was One anointed of God to heal the broken hearted, announce liberty to the captives, and declare the time of Divine acceptance. But they did not know it.
There were people however, who could discern the times. They were unusual people, and are chronicled in scripture as such. Simeon knew the times when he saw the infant Jesus (Lk 2:30). Anna also discerned them when she heard Simeon bless the child (Lk 2:38). When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he could read the times, and thus procured the blessing of restored sight (Mk 10:51). An unnamed woman with an issue of blood could discern the signs of the times, and got to Jesus for a blessing (Lk 8:43-44). A woman with an alabaster box of precious ointment discerned the times, and acted accordingly Matt 26:7). Throughout Christ's ministry, there were those who could understand the times. They always received a blessing, and were never turned away.
All of this substantiates that God always prepares people for what He is going to do. Just as surely as clouds precede rain, and the South wind precedes heat, so there are signs that precede the working of the Lord. It was so when Jesus came the first time, and it will be so when He comes the second time.
In an especially strong admonition to believers, the Spirit says, "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:10-12).
The end of time is approaching, and there are signs of it all around us. Iniquity is abounding (Matt 24:12), evil men are growing worse and worse (2 Tim 3:14), and perilous times are upon us with a form of godliness that denies the power thereof (2 Tim 3:1-5).
One might argue that such signs have been here before–and such is the case. However, that does not mean we are to ignore them. Rather, we are to read them and make the appropriate preparations. This is NOT the day to be casual about God, or naive about sin. It is not the time to be weak in the faith. The signs tell you of a coming storm that will be infinitely worse than anything in the natural realm. Discern the times! Disruption is all around us, in every form. Cast off the works of darkness. Put on the armor of light!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, open my eyes so I can see what is really happening in my time. Then grant me grace to appropriately respond to what I see.