The sign of the times

The sign of the times

Scripture:

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

Matthew 16:1-4

Observation:

“Show us a sign from heaven!” the Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus. “Prove to us you really are the Son of God!” This was not the first time they had asked Jesus for a sign. Their challenge was in effect not unlike the temptation thrown at Jesus by the devil at the top of the temple in Jerusalem! “Jump down, if you are really the Son of God! Doesn’t God’s Word say the angels will lift you up before you touch the ground?”

What were the Pharisees and Sadducees expecting actually? Perhaps they though Jesus should prove Himself by calling down fire from Heaven like Elijah and Elisha of old. Perhaps they wanted Jesus to make the sun stand still like what happened to Joshua so long ago.

However, the Lord would not give in to their insincere challenge but instead rebuked them soundly. “You know how to interpret the weather, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times. Only a wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but only the sign of Jonah will be given!”

In His life and ministry, the Lord was already fulfilling Scripture before their very eyes but they failed to understand they were living in the very time that God Himself had come to them as a human man. As mentioned before in an earlier encounter, Jesus against speaks of the sign of Jonah being the only sign that would be given them.

Jonah was basically dead, being in the belly of a fish for 3 days and 3 nights, before the Lord revived him and delivered him up onto dry land.  Likewise, the Lord was telling them that He too would die and be in the heart of the earth for 3 days and 3 nights, before He was raised from the dead!

Application:

In the days of Elijah, the people were wavering between two opinions, and in the encounter of Mount Carmel, they were prepared to worship either Yahweh or Baal, whoever answered with fire before them. They were a wicked and adulterous nation like the Lord spoke of, ever ready to jump ship and join whichever religion seemed more spectacular. “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe” the Lord told doubting Thomas. There are times when God is so real in our lives and our Christian walk is fresh and exciting. However, there are also time when God seems far away, and life is miserable. It is in times like this that our faith is truly tested, and where only those truly faithful to God in spite of circumstances and trouble will show themselves. We must aim to be Christians like that.

Consider the signs of the times. In the Old Testament, there is a famous reference to the men of Isaachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. Today, in 2013, we are in the last days, but do we understand the signs of the times. The book of Revelation has been given us precisely to prepare us to know what to expect so that we will not be surprised when the very last days come upon us. We too need to understand the times and know what we as Christians should do. Let us pray to God for wisdom and understanding in regard to the end times, and what preparations we need to make!

Meditate upon the sign of Jonah, the great work of our Lord, who died on the cross for us, who was in the heart of the earth for 3 days for our sake. Praise the Lord that it is because of His great love that He did this for us.

Prayer:

We praise thee, Father in Heaven, for thy Excellent Greatness and Grace. Praise thee, Lord, for the strength of Thy hands, and the Power of Thy Word. Let us not be part of a wicked and adulterous nation we pray. Instead, let us be like those who do not see yet believe in You. Even in times of trouble and hardship, let us O Lord ever cling to You, trusting in You even when we cannot see, even when all hope seems lost.

Teach us, Lord, to be like the men of Isaachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. Give us wisdom and knowledge to make the necessary preparations in these last days. Teach us Lord to redeem the time and pray with renewed urgency for the lost.

We bless thee Lord Jesus for Your great sacrifice for us. For our sake, You were three days and three nights in the heart of the earth like Jonah was in the belly of the fish. We thank You and praise You and love You, Lord. May Your great name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.