The Time Is Now

People say they have problems with parts of the Old Testament or with Paul’s letters, but the most disturbing words often come from Jesus’ lips. Here the Prince of Peace speaks of fire on earth and division in families. Fire is destructive and frightening. It can also energize, however, and put passion into a person. When we make a stand as Christians, we will win approval from some and disapproval from others. Clarity of conviction, matched by a distinctive lifestyle, always polarizes responses, even among those who are close in other ways. Here is Jesus’ wake-up call to the lethargic, a call to wholehearted discipleship. It is love and truth on fire that change society. The spark to ignite them is found in the costly passion of our Lord, into which Jesus would soon be plunged. That weekend of death and resurrection would ignite a worldwide movement that continues to this day.

The focus moves from fire to weather. People carefully notice the wind direction and clouds when their livelihood is at stake. Yet people are so slow to learn from the times and forecast the future. For Jesus’ generation there was a reluctance to face the consequences of the growing move towards rebellion against Rome. Nor would they see who was standing before them, speaking. What do you see in our times?

In the final picture, Jesus is not simply giving advice on settling out of court. For Israel, it was also warning to avoid charges of sedition from Rome. For us, it is a call to sort out the verdict on our lives before we come to judgment. Wonderfully, provision has been made for a plea bargain based on the cross. Ignore that, and matters will be out of our hands–and it will be too late.

Think of those who find difficulty in your Christian faith. Pray for a softening towards the Gospel in them and for strength for you to stand strong.