Matthew 16:1-4
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 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. 4 An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away.
’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
There are a lot of people out there who make a lot of money interpreting the signs of the times. Some of them run gambling sites where people bet money on their prediction of the outcome of this or that event. Others run think tanks or conduct endless surveys to try to determine who will win the next election, or which direction the stock market will turn next. Interpreting the signs of the times is big business.
Jesus reminds us that it’s also important for people of faith to interpret the signs of the times. Not everyone who professes to speak the Word of God, or have the “correct” interpretation of scripture, actually speaks for God. Many are genuinely confused or misguided. Some are wolves in sheep’s clothing whose only desire is to fleece God’s flock.
So, how does a person of faith interpret the signs of the times? A good rule of thumb is to look at the fruit of an idea, a movement, or a leader. Would you be comfortable inviting Jesus along to meet with these people or listen to this leader? Do the things you say and do while you’re following this idea/leader make you feel like you have to choose between following Jesus or them? Do you find yourself looking for ways to make the Gospel fit what you’re hearing from others?
Jesus warned us that there would be false prophets in every generation, and there have been so far. They are experts at interpreting the signs of the times and exploiting the faith of those who are not doing the same for themselves.
Prayer: Lord Jesus: You told us to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves. Keep me steadfast in Your Word and aware of the signs of the times. AMEN