An Eye on the Sky

Luke 12:54-59

Jesus also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'It is going to rain'; 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? 

For years I have appreciated the saying:  Red sky at night, sailor's delight.  Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.  

Like most well known sayings it has endured because it carries an element of truth.  Anybody who has spent time on Lake Erie knows that a brilliant sunrise with panoramic reds across the horizon indicates the approach of cloud banks that may carry foul weather.  In like fashion, the crimson sunset is often the delight that meets the eye after a great day of sailing, when the craft is settled in safe harbor.  

For years I recited the saying, clueless that it was based in scripture -- but there it is in Luke and Matthew (Matthew 16:2-3).  I think Jesus might have been saying something like:  You keep wanting to know the truth?  Just look around you -- there are plenty of signs if you will just pay attention!  Sometimes it simply involves a bit of common sense, or an honest reality check.   

Think about physical, emotional or mental deterioration.   Consider financial difficulties or relational breakdowns.  Truth be told, we are often given hints about challenging situations long before a crisis hits our beach.   Although some difficulties seem to appear from nowhere, most are a matter of erosion or evolution rather than a "sudden blow".  

What do you do when your gut or your common sense tells you that foul weather is approaching?  Do you ignore the "sign"?  or do you respond in a proactive way to promote safe passage?