Sundogs

Matthew 16:2b-4a:”When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather; for the sky is red.”And in the morning, “It will be stormy today for the sky is red and threatening.”You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah (RSV).

My husband pointed out two sundogs in the blustery sky. We watched to see which one stayed.

We were delighted to see the north one disappear. This signaled warm weather to come! Here in southern Ontario, sundogs appear in pairs, generally during cold weather, one on either side of the sun. Practically unnoticeable, they are partial rainbows, quite pale in color.

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus spoke of the weather and what folks discerned from it? Even today, we say things like ‘Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s fair warning.’Jesus didn’t stop His conversation after the weather comments. He told his listeners that they were missing the big picture. Jonah, three days in a whale, was the sign pointing to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Messiah, crucified, dead, buried, risen from the dead, bringing life where there was only death, returning again. This time coming in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:26). Checked the sky lately?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we have been depending on our interpretation of things and ignoring the plainly visible truth. You are coming again. Help us to be ready. Amen.