Matthew 16:1-3 (NLT) [bible-link v=”Matthew+16%3A1-3+&version=NLT” c=”light”]
One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that He show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove His authority. He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times!”
Before a day at the beach or outdoors, one of the things we regularly do is check the weather forecast. Knowing the predicted conditions helps us prepare appropriately. If you are a Toowoomba resident, you’re far better off packing a scarf, umbrella, and sunscreen because often you don’t know what you’re going to get.
Much like a weather forecast, we as the church and also as individuals, have a responsibility to understand and interpret the times we are living in. The Scriptures tell us that to remain ignorant and negligent to what is happening around us would be unwise.
Swiss theologian Karl Barth once said:
“Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”
Are we willing to read the times we live in?
I am convinced we are heading into new and unchartered territory and times as the 21st century church, and we ought to be prepared. Let’s choose today not to stick our heads in the sand. Pack the scarf, the umbrella and the sunscreen for all that is ahead.