September 18, 2022 -- Matthew 16:2-3 -- Reading the Signs of the Times

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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.
Matthew 16:2-3 ESV

Beloved in the LORD our Father, for the last couple of days my newsfeed keeps showing stories of the dire winter predictions of the Farmer’s Almanac. Winter snowfalls will be heavy in Atlantic Canada. Then this morning’s weather newsfeed showed a tropical depression that could well become a hurricane. These two things made me think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 16. Are we, as believers, following the signs of the times?

Jesus asked the question: “When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7-8). Surveys and research claim many people are leaving the Christian faith. Jesus foretold it. He gave a gracious warning to the Seven Churches in Revelation—reminding them and us—to remember our first love, Jesus Who leads us to the Father.

There will be troubles in the world—Jesus said something to the effect that no servant is greater than his Master, if they persecuted Him they will persecute you (John 15:20). This has been experienced by believers through all times and ages. It is no surprise. It is something more Christians in North America are experiencing after years and years of freedom.

Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ—stir up your faith. See the signs and return to church, the fellowship of believers who together are blessed and blessing one another. Listen to the Word of God so that you may grow strong in Christian hope, faith and love—no matter the climate of the world around you. And do not fear—Christ our King has been given all authority and power—these challenging times are not a surprise—but a sign that the end is nearing. Bless Him. And speak boldly of His return, which is drawing nearer and nearer every day. There are many who must even now, by the decree of our Father in heaven, be snatched from the gates of hell. Tell your friends and co-workers about Jesus. Do so knowing Jesus’ Spirit lives in you and He will keep you in our precious faith until Christ returns.

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ—the Savior of the World and the Prophet extraordinaire—Who leads to victory those who formerly were captive to the kingdom of darkness. Mighty God, send Your Spirit to Your Church and people so that Your people will proclaim Jesus Christ and His ever-approaching return doing so with urgent zeal.

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