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Author: Stephen Weller
701 words, 4 minutes read time

Be Able to Interpret the Present Time

Scripture: Luke 12:54-56

In the previous lesson we looked at how following Jesus Christ results in division among us. In this lesson Jesus redirects his focus back to the hypocrites who “know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time.”

Before we begin this lesson, I would like you to view the video found at this link. The title of the video is, “What does it mean to be a Christian in Syria?” How would you and your family respond under persecution? Would you respond like the mother in the video did by preparing your children to die for their faith? This video has a strong impact and shows some intense scenes.

^{Lk 12:54} He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. ⁵⁵ And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. ⁵⁶ You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

In the context of verse 54, “a cloud rising in the west” would refer to a cloud rising in the west over the Mediterranean, bringing moist air over Israel which would condense as it rises over the hills of the land and falls as a shower upon them. An illustration of this is found in 1 Kings 18:44 ESV: “And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’”” Another sign Jesus said they could interpret related to a south wind. To the south of Israel is a hot dry desert and when the wind blows from the south it would bring scorching heat.

In Matthew 16:2 – 3 (ESV) we find a similar illustration of reading the signs: 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.”

Those in the crowds could interpret those signs of nature, but because of the spiritual emptiness of their souls, their hypocrisy blinded them from understanding the signs announcing the arrival of the kingdom of God in Jesus’ teaching and ministry. Even here in the west there are various natural signs we understand. Here in Texas when the winds blow from different directions, we can expect different weather conditions, but like the crowds many are not able to interpret the present time in relation to the return of Jesus.

⁹ “And when [Jesus] had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, ¹¹ and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”” (Act 1:9 – 11 ESV) That took place a very long time ago and he still has not returned and so many say he is not returning, and they return to their sinful lifestyle.

Conclusion

Jesus came to bring peace between God and man, but in the process produced division between those who believe and those who do not. Those who believe have found peace with God and one day will find peace with one another in the kingdom of God. For those who don’t believe, just look around and see the evidence of God’s existence and activity. For those who believe, take note of the importance of your walk with the Lord.