Yesterday morning as I was heading to the gym for an early morning workout I saw a breathtaking red sunrise. I greeted the lady who works at the front desk at the gym and told her about the beautiful sunrise and added it’s probably going to rain today. She asked, “How do you know?” I related to her the couplet I learned years ago in the navy, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.” Then I mentioned that Jesus also taught that principle. “Really?” she exclaimed. This is what Jesus said in Matthew 16:3,
“And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?”
I related to her that verse and the importance of discerning the times. She mentioned to me she knew a number of folks who were concerned about the prediction of the end of the world based upon the Mayan calendar. I told she did not need to be concerned since Jesus also said,
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Matthew 24:36)
As I was thinking about the people who are frightened by the end of the world I thought of the oft quoted saying, “Unless you stand for something, you may fall for anything.” When people do not stand for something they can be tossed about by every wind of doctrine. When there is a lack of true knowledge people have a tendency to believe in the sensational – regardless how outlandish it may seem. You do not need to be frightened by the events around you. Jesus provides guidance for how we should respond to the world around us,
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
May your life shine forth His light to those around you. Perhaps the Mayan calendar was simply predicting the opening of the new Hobbit movie; but if you’ve been putting off your Christmas shopping because of the impending apocalypse, I advise you to get started.
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University
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