Luke 12:54-13:5

Understanding the times

In this passage Jesus tells.us how to understand the times we live in. To do this we must use the Scriptures

We can understand the times

Jesus illustrated that the people didn't take what was happening around them seriously. He used the weather - they could understand what the change in weather meant for them. Yet despite that they failed to understand the significance of Jesus' presence on Earth. Like the weather has signs that indicate what is coming, the Word of God has signs indicating the coming of Jesus and His actions. Even more were there signs that Jesus had done himself that should have made it clear to them who He was.

We should look at their times and understand them - our opportunity to receive the gift of grace from God.

We must understand the times

The time we have is an opportunity God has given us to share the gospel and to change the world around us. We shouldn't dispair or be nonchalant - we should act. If we just let things keep going, they will only get worse. Now is our opportunity to break the cycle and to work towards putting things right as an agent of God.

We need to act on our understanding

Jesus is clear that bad things happening in our world: accidents, natural disasters, suffering; are not part of God's judgement. They are warnings that the end will come.

Whatever the times, we must proclaim Jesus as Lord. While the times should not change our message, we must understand the times in order to change our methods appropriately. We must not be paralyzed by fear, or dispair at the lack of control. We must stand firm in faith and keep preaching the Gospel.