You Don't Know How to Judge the Time

Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, July 22, 2024

Today’s Text:  Luke 12:54-59

Key Verse: Luke 12:56 (GW): "You hypocrites! You can forecast the weather by judging the appearance of earth and sky. But for some reason you don’t know how to judge the time in which you’re living."

Today’s verse comes to us as part of our Lord's teaching on being prepared for the coming kingdom of God. And so, his gavel bangs on the heads of Pharisees and other leaders for being able to read natural signs but failing to recognize the spiritual significance of their time, which was of course, his arrival as the Messiah.

In the same way, our generation gets so caught up in daily routines and worldly concerns that it neglects to recognize and respond to God's presence and work amidst us. Believers are not aware of the cultural, social, and political context in which we live and therefore fail to understand how to live as followers or ministers of Christ in the age. Like Jesus calls out the Pharisees for their failure, we are called out to examine our own lives to ensure we're not pursuing fables or saying one thing but doing another.

Jesus' emphasis is on being ready for the kingdom of God, prioritizing our relationship with Him and living with a sense of urgency and purpose. This is an indictment on so called pastors and spiritual leaders who abandoned the teachings of the kingdom and discipling God's people for controversial debunking and deluding of truth. It indicts the wealth and fame seeking charlatans who care less about the perishing souls, whom Jesus died for. And, it encourages all of us to be spiritually aware, discerning, authentic, and prepared to accurse those who preach any other gospel than that which has been preached or who traduce the workings of God in our generation.

The hypocrisy of arrogant, false teachers and dangerous end-time charlatans, raised up as part of the signs of the end is exposed in several ways here. They claim to be experts on the word of God and to have forms of godliness but deny the power behind the word. They teach others about God's word but fail the parameters of it themselves. They claim to have extensive knowledge of scripture but fail to apply its principles in their own lives. They judge others for their sins while ignoring their own sinful behavior. Despite their claims of spiritual expertise, their lives do not demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and humility. They use the scripture to manipulate others, gain power and cheap popularity, and/or accumulate wealth.

Jesus' words in today's verse serve as a warning to such false teachers, exposing their hypocrisy and encouraging true spiritual leaders to live authentically, humbly, and in accordance with God's word. As He says in Matthew 23:27-28, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Action Steps: Reflect on your motivations. Ask yourself why you do what you do. Are you seeking to impress others or genuinely serve God? Examine your actions to ensure your words and actions align with God's principle. Surround yourself with people who will honestly point out areas where you may be wrong. Cultivate humility by recognizing your limitations and dependence on God. And, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you need to grow in authenticity.

Quote for the Day: "The appearancs of Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes and Herodians are more real today than in the days of Christ." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for times when my actions haven't matched my words. Help me to recognize and repent of any hypocrisy in my life. Give me the courage to be authentic and transparent, even when it's difficult. Make my lifep a genuine reflection of your love and teachings. Guide me in your truth and help me to walk in humility and integrity — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji,

Ph.D.YourDarling Bishop (DaBishop)

For further inquiry and free spiritual help, visit or write:

The Darling Bishop,2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

+1 (407) 360-8280; (817) 822-8441

[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. You can be a part of this great and free course through a one-time or recurring donation. To give through Zelle and CashApp, please use +1 (407) 360-8280. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please use ‪‪‬‬the same number.

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support