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SCRIPTURE READINGS

PSALM 80:1-2, 8-19
HEBREWS 11:32-40
LUKE 12:49-56

SUNDAY REFLECTION

Knowing the times is the theme for our reflection. Knowing the times means taking note of the indicators or occurrences that lead to an event. It also means being aware of the signs that an anticipated event is approaching. Knowing the times also means becoming aware of signs that point to a particular era or event. For example, political campaigns are signs of upcoming elections in a democratic dispensation. It is important to know the times to remain vigilant and steadfast in our walk with God. We shall discuss the following points to help us know the times and be prepared:

1. Knowing the times enables us to turn to God for restoration.

2. Knowing the times enables us to prepare in faith to embrace the blessings and hardships of discipleship.

3. Knowing the times will enable us to repent and seek reconciliation with the Lord before the judgment day.

Firstly, knowing the times enables us to call on God for restoration. Psalm 80 is a prayer of restoration, likening Israel to a vine that has been ravaged and needs God’s intervention to be revived. The Psalmist acknowledged the fact that Israel was in trouble, and it was only God who could save the nation; therefore, he said, ” Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!… Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. (Psalms 80:14, 19) Dear friend in Christ, we are too feeble or weak to fight our enemies and battles in life; it is for this reason that we must learn to know times and always call on God in times of challenges or agony. Jesus has assured to call on Him because “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19). You may be going through times of difficulty or challenges in your marriage, business, employment and health; these are times we pray and call on God for His restoration and salvation. Again in our times of challenges, we must pray to God for restoration or salvation because He has assured us that “…I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Secondly, knowing the times enables us to prepare in faith to embrace the blessings and hardships of believing in God or being disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11:32-40, there are examples of people who knew the era in which they were, with its associated challenges, yet they had faith in God. Some were delivered or got their favourable responses from God. It is also important to note that others, out of faith, died serving the Lord; all these servants of the Lord, both of the Old Testament and New Testament, shall receive the fulfilment of God’s promise of eternal life. “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40). In the same manner, because of our faith in Jesus, there will be division even in our families, and there will be hostility against the faithful followers or disciples of Jesus Christ. Indeed, times have changed, and materialism and unbelief have truly separated some families. Jesus confirmed this fact when He said, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptised with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 9:49-53). You must know the times and be prepared to endure attacks from even your family members on account of your faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ Jesus shall enable us to receive the grace and blessing of God, even as we endure the cost of following or remaining disciples of Jesus Christ.

Thirdly, knowing the times will enable us to be spiritually prepared and reconciled with the Lord. Just as we are able to study and know the weather patterns, Jesus admonishes us to spiritually study and know the signs that accompany the coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God, repent and be reconciled to the Lord. Jesus said, “Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? 57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” (Luke 12:56-59). We are greatly reminded that “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9) Let us reflect on our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Have we been faithful to the Lord? Are hypocrites before the Lord? Do we have unconfessed and hidden sins in our lives? Let’s heed Paul’s admonishment when he wrote, “Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

In summary, beloved in the Lord, knowing the times enables us to turn to God for restoration. Knowing the times enables us to prepare in faith to embrace the blessings and hardships of discipleship. Knowing the times will enable us to repent and seek reconciliation with the Lord before the judgment day. May the Holy Spirit grant us the discernment to know and understand the times, even as we remain faithful to God until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.