Interpreting the Present Time: A Call to Righteousness

“When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?” Luke 12:54-56

When you see a cloud rising!

Discerning the Times: A Call to Spiritual Awakening

Understanding Our Role in the Last Days

We are witnessing the unfolding of history. A question arises: are we truly discerning the significance of the days we live in? Scripture urges us to stay vigilant and awake. The times are undoubtedly strategic in the divine plan. They bear implications that ripple through eternity.

In Matthew 24:36-44, Jesus offers a profound caution. No one knows the day or hour of His return. Neither the angels nor the Son know this. Only the Father does. This reminds us of the unpredictability of end times and the necessity of readiness. Just as in the days of Noah, people were engrossed in daily life. They were eating, drinking, and marrying. They were oblivious until the flood swept them away. So too, the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unanticipated. The mandate is clear: stay awake, for the Lord will come at an hour we do not expect.

Righteousness as the Pillar of a Nation

Proverbs 14:34 encapsulates a timeless truth: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” The greatness of a nation in the eyes of God is not measured by its wealth. It is not measured by its power or influence either. Instead, it is measured by its moral and spiritual integrity. The Lord repeatedly calls His people to cleanse their hearts and return to Him. The promises of purification and renewal resonate through verses like Ezekiel 36:25 and Hebrews 10:22. These verses remind believers of God’s desire to cleanse from filthiness. They draw us into holiness.

Today, it seems imperative that we heed these calls to repentance. Jeremiah 18:7-10 beautifully illustrates the responsiveness of God to a nation’s actions. If a nation repents of its evil, God relents from disaster; conversely, disobedience invites reconsideration of His blessings. This dynamic highlights the weight of our collective choices and the grace extended to those who turn back to righteousness.

A Nation in Need of Discernment

In recent years, evidence of division and unrest has surfaced through political rhetoric, social movements, and global crises. Proverbs 16:2 reminds us that while people may appear pure in their own eyes, motives are weighed by the Lord. The abundance of the heart is revealed in speech and action, as noted in Luke 6:45. In times of turmoil, the words of Proverbs 10:11 are a beacon. They encourage us to speak life. We should not conceal violence under deceitful words.

As Christians, our role in shaping the moral compass of our communities is vital. I heard in my spirit that Trump is a rabble rouser. A rabble is one that stirs up the masses of the people (as of hatred or violence). This is a call to vote, join in, and engage in ways that truly honor God and godly principles can’t be overstated. In 2016, the urgency to return to righteousness was palpable. This urgency highlighted each believer’s responsibility to discern wisely and act faithfully.

The Urgency of Today

We are living closer to the culmination of this age than ever before. The signs and markers appear before us. Divine calls urge us to cleanse our hearts. They prompt us to align with God’s will. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds us to purify ourselves from all that contaminates our bodies. We must also cleanse our spirits. By doing this, we perfect holiness out of reverence for God. This purification is not optional; rather, it is a necessary preparation for the days to come.

Revelation 3:3 serves as a stark warning. If we do not wake up, the Lord will come like a thief. He will catch us unaware. The gravity of this charge echoes throughout scripture, emphasizing the need for vigilance and spiritual focus. In the midst of distractions and uncertainties, our priority must stay fixed on the eternal truths of God’s word.

A Call to Action

What should our focus be during such pivotal times? The answer lies in embracing righteousness, repentance, and readiness. As individuals, we are called to exemplify moral virtue. As nations, we must demonstrate spiritual integrity. Together, we foster unity under God’s sovereign guidance.

Let us remember the promises and exhortations of Scripture as we navigate these moments. God’s grace abounds to those who seek Him earnestly, who purify their hearts and live in obedience to His truth. May we stay awake. Let us discern the signs and align our lives with His purpose. We must realize that the hour is near and the stakes are eternal.

The grace of God continue to abound to you more and more …

Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless otherwise noted.

“Rabble-rouser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabble-rouser. Accessed 11 Aug. 2018.
“Demagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demagogue. Accessed 11 Aug. 2018.

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green

Minister A. Francine Green is an ordained minister and the author of Daughter of the King: Possessing Your Spiritual Inheritance .