Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.
1 Chronicles 12:32a And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.
How do we know spring is around the corner? We can see the signs of the times. For me, a sure sign of spring is when the new-born calves are out in the fields tentatively exploring their new environments. They can be seen at this time of the year on the cattle-ranches around our province of British Columbia. For my wife, it’s the first robin sighting and hearing its divine song. I have a friend who said, “The first sign of spring for me, is when the city street-sweepers are out cleaning the sand that was laid down throughout the winter.” Well, the street-sweepers have been out in full force for the past two weeks, so spring must be here.
Jesus did tell us to keep our hearts aware, and eyes open, so that we could recognize the times that we are in. He warned that there would be conflict, and rumours of wars as well as earth-shaking problems. Matt. 24:7 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Jesus also explained that many would be offended and the rise of false prophets would deceive a lot of people. Matt. 4:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. In contrast to spring announcing itself on the warmth of a gentle breeze, these world problems are screaming out for attention.
The upshot is that now, there is so much pseudo advice being given for solving these world problems, that there is a feeling of being inundated by the advice itself. All these voices are prating away for attention, claiming to help us avoid the perils that are coming our way. Many of these advisors think they know the times they are in, but they are only picking at some of the surface problems. Luke 12:56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why don’t you know how to interpret this present time?
As we walk with our Lord Jesus, we are to have our feet covered and protected by the peace of God, so that wherever we walk, we bring the Lord’s peace with us. Eph. 6:15 And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. No matter what time in history we are living in, we are more than conquerors through Christ. We know these days are evil, therefore, we can bring the healing peace that the world needs. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
When we read the Word of God, it does not take long to find out that the times have always been evil concerning the heart of man. Jer. 17:9 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? The problem arises when we, who have walked with the Lord, start taking our eyes off of Him and disregard His word and instructions for living. As a result of ignoring God’s decrees, confusion sets in because of our disobedience. Then, of course, we lose our peace and end up listening to all the nonsense being given out as sage advice. The moment we repent, we can rejoin the steps our Lord is walking in, and the clarity of thought, with the joy of the Lord, will bring us back to knowing where we are in life.
If you have lost your peace, then look to the Lord who is the Prince of Peace. If you have lost your joy, then look to Christ, so that the joy of the Lord becomes your strength again. If you do not know where you are in your life right now, then look to Jesus who said, “He is the true life.” John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Knowing Jesus as our friend and brother will always help us know the times we are living in. Prov. 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. Even in the roughest events of war and destruction, we can have the peace that passes understanding. However, we have to keep our hearts and eyes on God where our names are written on His heart. That miracle is the best sign for the future that we could ever have. Luke 10:20b Rejoice because your names are registered in heaven. Amen!
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