DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?

“Hypocrites! You know how to understand
the appearance of the earth and sky.
Why don't you understand
what is happening now?”
Luke 12:56
New Century Version

Has the battery ever gone dead in your wrist watch? Without replacing the battery, have you continued to wear it just as an accessory? The very instrument designed to help you meet appointments and deadlines lost its purpose and significance. The watch was relegated only to be a ‘fashion piece.’ In like manner, the Bible is the believer’s ‘time piece.’ The Word of God is designed to tell us what time it is in history.
Jesus reprimanded the people because they were able to look at the sky and tell whether it would rain or be hot based on repeated observations of the sky. By taking notice of the recurring weather patterns they equipped and prepared themselves for inclement weather. They were able to discern and recognize what kind of weather they would have that day. Even though sometimes the weather could change drastically in a matter of minutes, yet they prepared based on what they deemed as a worthy sign of rain or heat.
However, when it came to being able to recognize the Messiah, they seemed to only have on a watch that had no batteries! Although they said they were looking for and expecting the Messiah, they still we unable to recognize and discern “the day of their visitation” (Luke 19:44). Not only did they have the words of the prophets, Jesus had worked numerous signs and wonders. Yet, the scribes and Pharisees wanted more ‘proof.’ They should have been able to discern what time it was and recognized Jesus as the prophesied Messiah.
From study of the word of God and observing the ‘signs of the times’ are you able to discern and tell what time it is? To discern means “to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy.” Does anything else have to happen for us to realize that we are living in the last days? The Bible says of the sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32 ‘they were able to discern the times and they knew what to do.’ Are you discerning the times in which are currently living?
What time is it? Psalm 119:126 says, “It is time for the LORD to act, For they have broken Your law.” I Peter 4:17 says, “For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children.” Mark 13:33 says, “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Finally, Mark 1:15 says, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." It is time to study, discern and prepare accordingly to the wrist watch of the BIBLE and the signs of the times. Are you using your Bible to tell you what time it is or is it just a fashion piece?