We live in an age obsessed with analysis, forecasts, and prediction. Weather apps tell us when storms are coming, financial tools warn us of market shifts, and social media trends reveal cultural moments in real time. We pride ourselves on being well-informed, alert, and ahead of the curve. Yet Jesus exposes the danger of this imbalance, being naturally perceptive while spiritually dull. This is a stark reminder that knowledge doesn’t translate into discernment. Possessing earthly intelligence while remaining spiritually dull is a form of hypocrisy that blinds us to God’s immediate movement.
“You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?”
~Luke 12:56
God holds His people accountable for discerning the spiritual season in which they live.
Jesus speaks these words to the crowd, not the Pharisees, which makes the rebuke even more sobering. He is not calling the Pharisees hypocrites, but those who were following Him around. They were experts in reading the Palestinian sky but exhibited a dangerous selective intelligence, refusing to apply the same scrutiny to the Messiah standing before them. This was a pivotal, redemptive moment for them, yet they failed to recognize it and value the Messenger. The Messiah was present, teaching openly, performing miracles, and calling for repentance. Jesus labeled it hypocrisy, not for their lack of information, but for their lack of application.
Jesus speaks of Kairos, not just chronological time, but a decisive God appointed season that requires an immediate response, but this crowd was not comprehending their moment. Discernment is expected when revelation is available. Israel had the law, the prophets, and now the Christ Himself, yet remained unmoved. Salvation was near them; God was not revealing this season so they could follow Him to admire Him, but also so they could respond to Him and experience the fullness of what it meant. This isn’t about passive awareness; it’s responsive obedience. Spiritual perception is a moral responsibility. The sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what to do; we are called not only to understand the times but also to know the corresponding action required.
The paradox of the information age is that we know more than ever, yet discern less. We live in smart houses and get news of what’s happening around the world every second; however, algorithms cannot tell us the signs of God’s judgment and grace. Saturated with information yet starving for wisdom, we track trends and crises, but miss the meaning. We are instructed to walk carefully, making the most of the time, for the days are evil. The challenge is not access to insight, but the willingness to interpret events through a kingdom lens. While many sense the shifting winds of culture, few seek the specific obedience God requires in response to them. The failure to discern the times leads to distraction, delay, and disengagement from God’s purposes.
This passage forces me to evaluate how I interpret my own season honestly. Am I merely noticing what is happening, or am I asking God what He is requiring of me now? Discernment demands attentiveness to the Spirit and humility to respond. I am learning that spiritual growth involves recognizing when God is pressing for change, repentance, or deeper levels of understanding. We can be right about what’s going on in the world, but dead wrong about what God is saying through it all. Am I an expert in my field but a novice in faith?
Time of Reflection:
** Lord, sharpen my spiritual discernment this season.
** Help me recognize what You’re doing around me and within me.
References:
Luke 12:56
1 Chr 12:32
Matt 16: 2-3
Heb 5:14
The reference to Q#56 is from the Thomas Nelson Chronological Study Bible.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open my spiritual eyes so that I don’t miss what You’re doing in this present time because I’m too busy checking the forecast. It is my greatest desire to do what You require. I’d much rather predict Your presence being near than the future events in the world. Help me be more aware, responsive, obedient, and attentive to Your Spirit in this present time, in Jesus’ name.
