Stand Firm

Stand Firm

Matthew 16:3 (NASB)

3 “And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?”

    Jesus called out the religious leaders of His day who asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. He rebuked them, saying they could read the signs of the weather but could not read the signs of the times (Matthew 16:1-4).

    That wasn’t all Jesus said about signs of the times. When His disciples asked Him, what would be the signs (indicators) of the end of the age, He gave them many (Matthew 24; Luke 21). And the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about the signs of godlessness in the last days prior to Christ’s return—things like loving pleasure more than loving God and a long list of others (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Given the signs that Paul mentions, all of which have to do with personal character and behavior, the world seems headed for a downward crisis.

    Keep your eyes on culture and on Christ at the same time. As the one deteriorates, the nearness of the Other increases. Prepare to stand firm and faithful until the end.

    Ian MacPherson said, “We are not to require “signs,” but we are to regard signs.”