You Are Here
Photo by Fallon Michael on Unsplash.
Where are you? Can you locate your current position on a map? Do you know where you are physically? Maybe your phone can tell you where you are, what weather you can expect, and how to get to another destination?
We know where we are physically and we can discern our geographical context, the climate, and the weather, but do we know where we are spiritually? Can we discern the times in which we live, where God is moving, and where God wants us to go and what he wants us to do?
In Luke’s gospel account, Jesus spoke about interpreting the times, saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Luke 12:54-56, ESV).
The Israelites understood where they were in the world and what the implications of their geography was and how the land and the weather impacted their lives.
The Mediterranean Sea in the west brought in rain clouds and the desperately needed rainfall upon the land and crops. This precipitation refilled cisterns and provided the essential water needed. This is why the Israelites were waiting and watchful for these particular clouds from this particular direction.
In contrast, the south and southeastern winds brought in scorching heat from the dry and arid desert wastelands. Winds from these directions could mean dehydration, heat related illnesses, drought, scorched crops, and even famine.
Jesus accused the Israelites of knowing how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but not knowing how to interpret their present time. In short, the people knew where they were and the implications of their geography, but they did not understand where they were spiritually and the outcome of God’s presence and coming judgement.
Unlike the crowd Jesus was addressing, may we understand where we are spiritually and the implications of God’s presence and judgement in the world.
A Collect for the Coming Kingdom of God: “Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.” (#115., Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Begin the month with a #dailydevotional. I have created a #devotional book for each month, a devotional for every day of the year, and offering them for #free by subscribing. Get a link to #Grow365: #August2022—A #Daily Devotional here: robbiepruitt.com.
Photo by Fallon Michael on Unsplash.
