“Red sky at night-- sailors delight,
Red sky at morning--sailors take warning.”
Remember that old saying that was used to predict the weather? I don’t know who coined that particular rhyme, but I’ve found it curiously accurate. A red sky at night usually results in fair weather for the following day, whereas a red sky in the morning is a pretty reliable indicator of stormy weather on the horizon.
This whole red sky phenomenon (that I am sure is based on some scientific form of explanation) reminds me of the message from the Word of God that reads:
“The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times Matthew 16:1-3
I have witnessed some spectacular sunsets on my drives home from work. I especially love to see the stark contrast of a tree silhouetted against the brilliant canvas of color. Looking to the sky always gets me thinking-dreaming of home, my real home, the one that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is preparing for me, and for all of His children who are waiting and watching and longing for His appearing.
But it’s all too easy to forget isn’t it? In our frenetic lives, we can forget to look up. I must remember that this hard to fathom event is a promise based on fact not fiction. What is even more incredible to think about, is that Jesus could return today! Can you even imagine gazing at some billowy clouds in the eastern sky when all of a sudden a trumpet blast pierces through your reverie and suddenly you see the clouds part and then you see Him.... Jesus, who has come to take us home!
Though Scripture reminds us that none of us can predict the actual day or time of His coming, the signs are before us, in front of our noses, and bolder than any red painted sky. I think that you'd agree that we don’t have to look too far to see just how far we have sunk morally and spiritually in society and in this world.
As we search the scriptures together in our New Testament reading challenge, and as we see the signs of the times unfolding in the news and on our Bible pages, we are not to fear. Instead, take heart dear brothers and sisters! Let us be encouraged, prayerful, and filled with the Spirit and with boldness. Let us purpose together anew, to be about our Father's business while we still have the opportunity, before He comes to take us home.
Keep looking up!
Peggy
2 comments:
I love this point that you emphasize; fear, uncertainty and doubt are not feelings God gives us. Their feelings coming from somewhere else that we don't have to be bridled with.
What great insight into God's Word and a challenge to each of us to get our noses off the lines on the highway and focus on the more important things.
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