He spoke to the crowds. “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you instantly say, ‘A shower is coming.’ And it turns out that way. You feel a south wind blowing. You say, ‘It will be a hot day.’ And it turns out that way. You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky. But how do you fail to analyze this current time (Luke 12:54-56)?
Understanding the relevance of Luke 12:54-56.
Introduction
I have earlier written about the importance of discerning the times in several posts. Discernment is not about judging other people’s motives. It’s about distinguishing good guidance from harmful messages, and the Holy Spirit from evil spirits, known as discerning of spirits. It is intended for our protection and not for our judgment.
The phrase discernment of spirits occurs in three New Testament texts. First, in 1 Corinthians 12:10, it is mentioned as one of the gifts of the Spirit. In Hebrews 5:14, it is an exercise of the spiritually mature. These individuals have faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. Finally, Romans 14:1 serves as a reminder. We should “accept the one who is weak in faith.” Yet, this should not be done for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. Taken together, discernment is a spiritual capacity for distinguishing or discriminating between opposing forces.
Today, I as I watch the current state of chaos surrounding politics, civil rights, immigration, and so forth. The nation’s future is uncertain. I believe it is more urgent that we look to the Scriptures a our source of wisdom and guidance.
The biblical passage from Luke 12:54-56 speaks volumes about the importance of discernment and understanding the signs of the times. This passage is part of Jesus’ teachings. It calls for a deeper reflection on our ability to interpret the world around us. It offers a powerful reminder. Just as we can predict weather patterns, we should discern the spiritual climates of around us. We should also be capable of comprehending the moral climates of our lives.
The Passage
In these verses, Jesus addresses the crowd, saying:
“When you see a cloud rising in the west, promptly 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 current time?” (Luke 12:54-56, NIV)
Context and Background
To fully appreciate the significance of this passage, it is important to understand the context. This context is the setting in which Jesus spoke these words. At this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus had been performing miracles. He was teaching about the Kingdom of God. He was also challenging the religious leaders of His time. His ministry was gaining momentum, and many people were curious about His message and identity.
The crowd Jesus addressed was familiar with the patterns of nature. They relied on their observations of the sky and the wind to predict weather conditions. These predictions were crucial for their agricultural and daily lives. Jesus used this familiar imagery to make a profound point about their spiritual perception.
The Call to Discernment
Jesus’ rebuke of the crowd as “hypocrites” is a strong admonition. He pointed out their ability to interpret natural signs. Yet, he lamented their inability to recognize the spiritual signs unfolding before them. Many in the crowd had seen His miracles. They had heard His teachings. Still, they were blind to the reality of His mission and the significance of His presence.
This call to discernment is not just a historical critique but a timeless challenge for all believers. It urges us to develop a keen sense of spiritual awareness and to seek understanding beyond the surface level. The people of Jesus’ time predicted the weather. Likewise, we are called to be attuned to the movements of God in our lives. We must also be aware of the world around us.
In part 2 I will share lessons for today. The message of Luke 12:54-56 remains highly relevant in our contemporary context. We navigate through an age of information overload. Misinformation, disinformation, and rapid changes characterize today’s society.
Conclusion
Luke 12:54-56 challenges us to be discerning individuals who can interpret the signs of the times with spiritual insight. Jesus’ rebuke of the crowd underscores the importance of being spiritually aware and responsive to God’s work in our midst. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, let us strive to cultivate a deep sense of discernment. Let us also live out our faith with authenticity and wisdom.
This passage is a call to action for all believers. It urges us to look beyond the obvious. We should seek a deeper understanding of God’s presence and purpose in our lives. By doing so, we can better navigate the challenges we face and make meaningful contributions to the Kingdom of God.
Christ wants people to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Scripture tells us that wisdom is better than gold! As Christians, we can gain knowledge through the study of God’s word. During this time of national chaos, I pray that you be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. I also pray that you gain all spiritual wisdom. James 3:17 says, “…the wisdom from above is first pure. It is then peaceable, gentle, and open to reason. It is full of mercy and good fruits. It is impartial and sincere”. I also pray that you will have understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Strive to please Him in all respects. Bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. Be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious is power. This will help you persevere in patience. Joyously give thanks to the Father. He has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Col. 1:9-15).
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
Notes:
All Scripture references are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
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