Understanding of the Times

It is absolutely essential that we have understanding of the times in which we live and in particular, an understanding of those times which lead up to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth.

In Matthew 16:1-4* the Lord Jesus rebuked those who did not have understanding of the times. These unbelieving Pharisees and Sadducees could understand the physical signs of the days in which they lived, but not the spiritual signs. They could tell what the weather was to be by looking up into the heavens, but had no understanding of the signs of the times.

The Saviour rebuked them saying: O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? v3.

These Pharisees and the Sadducees did not understand that the time of the first coming of the Messiah had arrived. That first coming was prophesied extensively in the Old Testament Scriptures. These Pharisees and the Sadducees had the Scriptures but yet were blind to what they revealed. Others, like Simeon and Anna, knew that the season had arrived.

The second coming of Jesus Christ is also extensively prophesied in the Word of God. No one can claim to read and believe the whole counsel of God and fail to take an interest in the second coming of Jesus Christ. No minister can claim to preach the whole counsel of God and fail to preach on the second coming of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament and the New Testament are so full of prophetic utterances regarding the second coming.

Yes despite these extensive references to Christ's second coming there are Christians and ministers who never give any consideration to these end-time matters. That is a failure. The rebuke of Matthew 16:1-4 can be directed at all who do so.

The Scriptures are given to us to provide us with an insight into these things. We are not to rely on our own understanding but rather search the Scriptures daily.

*The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed, Matthew 16:1-4.