Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

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He also said 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?

“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

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The theme of this twelfth chapter of Luke is being ready for our last day on earth. Jesus has spoken to the crowds about the idea that this may be their last day.. he tells them to not hoard their wealth, or be concerned about their possessions.. he instructs them to seek the kingdom first and to not be captivated by fleshly worries. In this context he now speaks of settling debts. It reminds me of how he tells us to forgive and seek forgiveness from others.

Sometimes I think that we are our worst enemies when it comes to planning for the future. Even when we are old we often refuse to discern the season.. so many die without a will or insurance to care for their families.. it is like these refused to interpret their days in light of their death. Such is not the way that Christ wants us to live. In a sense living with an eternal perspective is understanding the brevity of life on earth and knowing how "to interpret the present time".

Help me to live and love today as if it were my last Lord.

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