Jesus challenged the crowds who followed him to interpret the signs. He told them that when they see a cloud rising in the west, they say, "It's going to rain," and it does. In the same way they interpreted a south wind to be a sign that it was going to be hot. We in our day are much more sophisticated at forecasting the weather, but like the people of Jesus' day, we not good at interpreting and understanding the times (Luke 12:54-56). Why not? Perhaps it is because we have not adequately prepared ourselves.
As we move into the new year with a desire to understand the times, here's a Biblical way to prepare yourself. John the Baptist called upon the people of his day to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2). To repent is to change your mind, to feel sorrow for your sins and turn away from them. The next step is to accept the forgiveness of sins offered to you in the Good News of Jesus Christ. You are to do this daily by
- examining your heart in the light of the commandments. One commandment a day is sufficient to remind you that you have not loved your God with all your heart and soul and you certainly have not always loved your neighbors, friends and family as you love yourself.
- recalling the Good News of God's love in Christ, as the Psalmist puts it, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
- returning to your Baptism, even as St. Paul says, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4).
Now you are ready to read the paper, look at the internet or listen to TV to learn what is going on in this world. As you do you will recall that the world about us—at all levels—is at enmity with God. It is full of hypocrisy, false idols and deception. In the midst of this, you will wait on the LORD. He will reveal His will and plan for your life, just as He did to the shepherds and the Magi who knelt before the Child of Bethlehem. He will post signs for you to read and to follow. He will close paths He does not want you to travel.
Here are some Psalm verses from God's Word to guide you prepare to enter this new year.
- But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God. My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love" (Psalm 31:14-16).
- Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law (teaching) of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers" (Psalm 1:1-3).
Do not be afraid, then, of anything that the new year holds, for you are a child of God in Christ and when Christ returns you will dwell with Him and His family in ages without end. Until that day, carry on. The best is yet to come.
