”He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.56 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? 57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” Luke 12.54-59
This week I am at Disney World, “The happiest place on earth.” I beg to differ. It’s nice, of course, but the lines, the cost, the masks, the rain and the heat make going to the Magic Kingdom less than magical at times. They want you to believe Disney is the happiest place, no worries, no crying babies, no family arguments, but the truth of the matter is that humans bring their nature with them wherever they go! From a distance it’s a worry free vacation, but being up close and personal presents a different perspective.
In this passage Jesus is also wanting work on our perspective. His discussion on the end times ends with a note of frustration on his part. He compares our ease in interpreting the weather to our need to understand the coming present and end times. He wants us to be at watchful, ready and aware. Going through life like it’s Disney World will prevent us from seeing the reality around us and that God’s Kingdom is actually here.
With God’s kingdom comes the enemies attacks. Satan wants nothing more than to pull us away from the Lord and his purposes and his will for our lives. He wants us to fixate on negativity, self-needs and excess desires. But Jesus has a better way. His way is through a connection to the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit initiated by a relationship with the Son. If you trust Jesus, and receive him into your heart and mind, your vision will be for things eternal and not only the temporal. The magic of Disney (and this earth) will fade as you find meaning in the Divine nature of Jesus and his mission for the world.
The end times might come this year or the next. Many though 2020 was the end with shut downs, Covid-19, and continuing violence, riots and revolts. But when God’s Kingdom comes and Jesus returns, we will know with certainly. We will be ready and waiting for the returning King to find us suitable servants and willing worshippers.
Are you anticipating his return this hour? Have your prayers focused on asking him to prepare you? Turn from sin and toward the Savior. Allow Jesus to fill you with his power and love and find you ready when he returns.
”O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me and for allowing me to walk in newness with you each day. Keep me from temptation. Turn my affections toward your Kingdom. Help me know the love the Father and the working power of your Holy Spirit. Come Lord Jesus! Return to save us. Help us seek your face and spread your Gospel. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen