Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him [Jesus] asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’

Matthew 16:1-3a

As I write this blog, the outer bands of hurricane Ian are beginning to batter the coasts of Florida. The weather prognosticators are giving their predictions as to where it will make landfall, and the trek it will then take as it moves inland. Evacuations are being issued, and people are being strongly encouraged to move to safer locations until the storm has passed.

Many are giving heed to these warnings. Windows are being boarded up. Outside items are being put in safe locations. Cars are being packed with the things family members need to get through a few days in hotels or with family or friends who live far enough away to be safe.

It is amazing how accurate weather-forecasting has become. With all the modern technology our meteorologists are able to make precise predictions about weather patterns several days in advance. When storms such as Ian approach we are watching and listening carefully to predictions based on their ability to predict approaching weather patterns.

Jesus spoke of this very issue in the passage quoted above. By observing the sky we can make a determination of what kind of weather to expect, and then make preparations based on that knowledge. Many are making preparations today for the approach of Ian.

However, reading weather patterns and making predictions based on that knowledge is not what Jesus was talking about in this passage. Note carefully that Jesus’ statement was in response to the Pharisees and Sadducees asking for a sign from heaven. But His response goes further.

‘Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’ And He left them and departed.

Matthew 16:3b-4

Jesus now gets to the point. He is not talking about looking at the skies to determine the present weather pattern. He is speaking of something far more important. He is speaking to His hearers (and readers) of the importance of being aware of the signs that point to the reality of whom He really is, and of the preparations that need to be made in light of that knowledge.

Right now, based on the knowledge being given by weather prognosticators, people are making preparations for the approaching storm. There is coming a day and an event that is so much more important than that. There is coming the day of the approach of the Lord as He comes to call His bride, the church, out of this world. After this, the world will be thrown into a time of tribulation such as it has never seen before.

The signs are everywhere. It is becoming more and more obvious to serious students of the Bible that the coming of the Savior is drawing near. Are we paying attention? Are we making preparations for that coming day? Have we looked to the teachings of the Word of God and made personal preparations for His coming?

The forecast is clear: the Son of God is coming. No one knows the day or the hour. But it could be any day and any hour. Have you made proper preparations by trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ? It is He, and He alone, who can give you safe passage. Trust Him today. There is no time to delay.

Blessings!