11/04/19 UNDERSTANDING SIGNS

11/04/19 UNDERSTANDING SIGNS
 
You have heard of Skywalker? I am Skywatcher.
Jesus said, "Red sky in morning..." and He was not just talking about the weather.

Jesus refused to do a sign (miracle) to prove His Divine identity. His death and resurrection would be enough proof, but doubters do not accept even this miracle.

Jesus pointed out that people can forecast (not prophesy) the weather by watching the sky. Likewise we can forecast (predict, based on evidence) the coming social events and moral climate, based on current societal beliefs and actions.

Recap
*Jesus warns against being a miracle seeker.
*Jesus rose up from the dead, the greatest sign, miracle ever.
*Skeptics refuse to accept God's resurrection proof.
*Skeptics forecast weather, economics, politics, but ignore the signs of spiritual rebellion and spiritual decay.


Further
By "watching the sky," I am referring to being aware of spiritual, moral, political, economic, natural evidences, which indicates the status of our world.

Jesus did foretell signs that would indicate the coming of certain events (the destruction of Jerusalem, the rapture of the Church, the return of Christ), and He added that we should watch for these indicators, because when they are happening, His return will be soon.

Luke 21:5-28 (please read, but don't miss vs. 28)
5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.