Discerning the Signs of the Times

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment, the Queen of the South will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented

, and there is something greater than Jonah here.” Luke 11:29-32

With recent world events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters, rioting, and societal discord, people are asking what is going to happen and how will it affect me? Is the world coming to an end? What are the signs of the end of the age? We do need to know how to interpret life’s events and what we should do or not do. The problem is, we fail to see things as they truly are. We often see things as we want to see them and as we are. We need our spiritual eyes opened so that we not only discern the signs, but know what to do.

Jesus spoke to the crowds a message about discerning the signs. Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, calling them to repentance. He then reveals how the people of his day did not recognize the sign of his own coming. In fact, they were so spiritually blind that Jesus said at the day of judgment, the ancient Ninevites would rise up in judgment of them because they did not repent, whereas the Ninevites did. Jesus then compares himself with Jonah and states that his message is greater in significance, yet people still fail to discern the signs. The sign of Jonah relates to Christ’s death and burial for three days, just as Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days (Matt.12:40).

In the Old Testament, the prophets always helped with discernment. However, today we have Christ himself to guide the way and speaks prophetically through his church. Like the warriors of Issachar, we can understand the times and we can also know what to do (1 Chron. 12:32). Through the eyes of Christ, we can discern dreams, desolations, daily news, and all types of false propaganda.

Through discipleship to Christ, we can begin to see, recognize the signs, and form the right interpretation of events. We begin by discerning the Voice of Truth in all aspects of life. We can choose to become more contemplative and reflective and watch for guidance in times of uncertainty. All the while, God helps us discern the signs of the times, so we know what needs to be done.

Are you having difficulty discerning the signs of the times? Are you seeing things as they truly are or interpreting things wrongly? In what way can being in Christian community help you discern the interpretation of life events? Ask God to help you develop eyes to see and ears to hear.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving me discernment to understand the times. I am grateful for Christian community that has helped me interpret life events, seasons, and Your will in difficult times. Grant me spiritual eyes to see things as they truly are. Deliver me from false propaganda, lies, and wrong interpretation. I want to see Jesus Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that I can understand the times and know what to do. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome the inclination to isolate, so that I can be in relationship with others and be guided by You. I want to hear the voice of truth and know how to vote, make decisions, and fulfill my purpose. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.