Signs of the Times

I’ve started to notice a few leaves on the ground.

The breeze that whispers through the day has a bit of a different feel to it, and this morning I woke up to a brisk 58-degree temperature.

While the mid-day heat still rises, evening shadows lengthen bringing quickly cooling air. A few pumpkin decorations are beginning to appear on doors and windows, and conversations center on football and tailgating plans.

Signs.

Even though August is barely past, autumn is gently edging its way in.

In the farm country that surrounds me, farmers are gathering hay bales, fields are empty of produce, and apple picking is in full swing. Farmers depend on the signs to know when to harvest their crops, and they know that they can’t hesitate when the crops are ready.

The Bible also speaks signs. It tells of a harvest time, an end time that is to come.

In 2 Timothy 3, Paul told Timothy that there would come a time when people would love pleasure more than they would love God. They would be proud, disobedient to their parents, unthankful, unholy. The people would be fierce. They would despise those that do good, and they would be traitors. They would pretend to be godly, but they would deny God’s power.

In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus spoke of famines and earthquakes, of wars and pestilences, along with many other signs. Today as I read these words and look at our world I think, “Wow, sure sounds like the world I am living in.”

The interesting thing to me, however, is that even though the signs mentioned by both Jesus and Paul are sobering, even frightening, we are not encouraged to despair when these signs become evident. Instead, Paul told Timothy to stand fast and preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2), and Jesus left these uplifting words for his followers:

And when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28, NKJV).

Today, I feel kind of like the farmers getting ready for winter.

I see the signs. The harvest is ready, and the work is plentiful. There are people to love, and a Lord to serve. I will not be dismayed.

I am looking up, for my redemption is near! The time for Jesus’ return is closer than it ever has been.

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Father, I am encouraged by your word and signs of the times. I look forward to the time when you will return for your children. Strengthen me to love and to serve you each day until you come for me.

²⁰ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Revelation 22:20 – 21)