Signs of the Times

     Why will so many Americans be fascinated with a groundhog on February 2? 

     Oh, I know all about Groundhog Day.  I even saw the movie.  But why does it make the national news?  Why does a whole town in Pennsylvania obsess over a groundhog’s shadow?  Can a large rodent-like creature actually make dependable predictions about winter?

     Americans are fascinated with the future–especially the weather. It still amazes me that even with our satellites, radar and ability to forecast weather, the groundhog tradition still hangs on.

     Of course the media likes a good story.  And the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has made a media-friendly circus out of the event.  But back to the weather.

     We’re not the only ones to be fascinated with weather prediction.  Back in ancient times people wanted to forecast the weather also.  But without our technology, they had to rely on observations about nature. 

     We still quote an ancient proverb today when we say, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.”  Jesus even referred to this common observation.

     Then he said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”  Later Jesus noted that by observing ‘signs of the times,’ we should know when his return is near. 

     Have you been paying attention?  Events in the Middle East and around the world seem to indicate that we may be living in the last generation before Christ’s return.  And many seem to agree.  One survey said that 42% of Americans believe we are living in the ‘Last Days.’

     “Now hold it right there for just a minute!” you may say.  “Is that even a possibility?”

     Non-Christians tend to view talk of Jesus’ return as religious hype.  Especially after last year’s much publicized May 21 prediction by Harold Camping.  But modern Evangelical Christians aren’t the only ones to talk about Jesus’ return and the end of time.

     Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, found the Old Testament book of Daniel’s view of the future intriguing.  After a thorough study, he predicted the world’s end would come 1,260 years after the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire.  That Empire began December 25, 800 A.D.

     For those committed to human reason, that’s a bit unnerving.  This was not the raving of some wild-eyed apocalyptic preacher.  Newton was the father of modern science. His predictions about the laws of gravity and the motion of the planets eventually proved correct.

     Consider this:  At least 80 specific Bible prophecies were fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming.  And their accuracy was amazing. But, even with all that, his arrival still caught most by surprise.

     Many will also be surprised when Jesus returns. However, students of the Bible and followers of Christ shouldn’t be. The Bible says, “But you brothers are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief.”  That means we should all be watching the signs of the times.

     Since Christ’s return may be near, the Apostle Peter asks, “What kind of people ought you to be?”  His answer is “You ought to live holy and godly lives.”  But how do you do that?  It starts with faith in the one true God.  The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”

     That means trusting in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who died for your sin. And that he was buried and rose from the dead to give you a new life.  It means following him as your Lord and Savior.  Finally, the Bible says that we must be “alert and self-controlled…putting on faith and love.”

     Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”  I hope so!

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!