Understanding the Signs and Embracing Divine Purpose
Recognizing the Signs
In Luke 12:54-56, Jesus sharply calls out the hypocrisy of those who can interpret the physical signs of the earth and sky but fail to discern the spiritual significance of their time. He challenges us to go beyond surface-level understanding and delve into the meaning of the present era. This passage invites us to ask ourselves: Are we truly discerning what God is doing in our lives, communities, and nations today? Are we prioritizing the things that matter most?
Living in Strategic Times
There is no doubt that we are living in one of the most pivotal times in human history. The urgency of these times echoes through Scripture, particularly regarding the “last days” or “end times.” As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 24:36-44, no one knows the exact hour of His return, but we are called to stay vigilant. The comparison to the days of Noah underscores the danger of complacency—people were going about their lives, oblivious to the impending flood. Similarly, we are warned not to let the busyness of life distract us from spiritual readiness.
The Call to Stay Awake
“Stay awake!” This exhortation resounds through Matthew’s Gospel and remains as relevant today as ever. In the midst of political upheaval, moral decline, and societal challenges, believers are called to maintain a posture of awareness and discernment. Staying awake means being attuned to the spiritual significance of events around us. It involves asking ourselves: What is God revealing? How should I respond?
Prioritizing Righteousness
During the 2016 election, there was a palpable sense that God was calling nations, particularly the United States, to return to righteousness. Proverbs 16:2 reminds us that while human actions may seem pure to us, God weighs the motives of the heart. As political rhetoric heightened and societal divisions deepened, it became evident that the contents of people’s hearts were being exposed. Jesus’s words in Luke 6:45 highlight this truth: what flows from the mouth reveals the abundance of the heart.
Righteousness is not just an individual pursuit but a national mandate. Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” This verse challenges us to consider what truly makes a nation great—not economic prosperity or military strength, but moral and spiritual integrity.
Discerning Judgment and Grace
The Bible repeatedly teaches that nations are subject to both God’s judgment and His grace. Jeremiah 18:7-10 illustrates this dual reality: when a nation repents of its evil, God relents from bringing disaster. Conversely, if a nation falls into disobedience, God reconsiders the good He intended for it. This passage is a sobering reminder that collective actions have spiritual consequences.
The Call to Purification
Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to cleanse themselves and return to Him. Ezekiel 36:24-25 speaks of God sprinkling clean water on His people to purify them from filthiness and idolatry. Similarly, Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to draw near to God with hearts cleansed from evil. These verses underscore the importance of repentance and spiritual renewal.
In times like these, we are not called to passively observe the unfolding events but to actively respond to God’s invitation to purify our hearts. 2 Corinthians 7:1 exhorts us to rid ourselves of anything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. This act of purification is not merely a duty but a heartfelt response to the love and grace of God.
Returning to God
God’s call to return to Him is both urgent and unconditional. In Zechariah 1:3, the Lord declares, “Return to me, and I will return to you.” This promise is a beacon of hope and restoration. Yet, it requires action on our part—repentance, obedience, and a willingness to align our lives with God’s will.
Signs of the Times
Throughout history, God has placed signs and markers before His people to guide them toward righteousness. These signs are not meant to be ignored but to prompt reflection and action. As Revelation 3:3 warns, “If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.” This verse emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance and readiness.
What Makes a Nation Great
Proverbs 14:34 provides a clear answer: “Righteousness exalts a nation.” Greatness in the eyes of God is not measured by worldly standards but by the moral and spiritual character of a nation. This greatness is rooted in virtuous leadership, justice, and a commitment to God’s principles.
Living Under God’s Grace
As we navigate the complexities of the present time, we must remember that God’s grace is abundant and transformative. His grace empowers us to rise above challenges, purify our hearts, and embrace His calling. It is through His grace that we can discern the times correctly and respond with faith and obedience.
A Call to Action
The present time calls for more than interpretation; it demands action. Believers are invited to participate in God’s story by prioritizing righteousness, staying awake, and returning to Him. This is not merely a choice—it is a divine mandate.
Let us heed the words of Jesus and discern the spiritual significance of our time. Let us purify our hearts, embrace righteousness, and live as one nation under God. For in doing so, we align ourselves with His eternal purposes and prepare for the glorious day of His return.
May the grace of God continue to abound in your life, enabling you to interpret the signs of the times and respond with unwavering righteousness.
“The word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 