As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. ~Proverbs 25:23
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,” and in the morning, “Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.” “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulteress generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. ~Matthew 16:1-4
“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” “Rain before seven stops by eleven.” “When doors squeak and floors creek, rain will be here within the week.” Do any of you remember hearing any of these growing up? You probably know more than that or know them a little differently. They are based on observable appearances in the sky and earth that usually accompany our weather.
“As a north wind brings rain,” Well, according to our Alexa, today marks the official first full day of Fall. UGH! I chose this proverb for today, more to have a little fun about the weather than anything else, even though there are certainly always truths mixed in. With the Fall comes the cooler weather. It’s so enticing with the beautiful autumn colors, but we know what’s coming. The wind from the north brings cold rain that eventually turns to that other stuff.
Then, many leave for warmer climates and we will miss them until Spring. Fall seems kind of sly in a way, easing us into the cold. It is another sign of what we know is to come. It doesn’t necessarily make us angry, but it does make many sad because of what is to come. Let’s remember though, this is only the seen world.
Jesus talked about the weather when He was challenged by those who believe that they are the smartest men in Judea. Perhaps he was remembering our Proverb and linking it up with his illustration to help the Pharisees understand that they should not have had to ask. “Give us a sign,” they say to the One who is the sign itself! In response, Jesus points out how limited they really are.
Basically He says to them: “How is it that you can predict what will happen in the seen world and yet you, who boast of being spiritual leaders, those who know about the unseen world, have no clue?” The Pharisees and Sadducees had thought they were being sly in their questioning, but as always, Jesus bested them again and beat them at their own game.
“So, a sly tongue brings angry looks.” It’s the Pharisees who were acting slyly. Usually, only the sly person thinks that his or her motives aren’t obvious. People don’t like being played with. That is why Jesus goes on to warn His disciples, when they are alone, to “be on your guard against the yeast, (later explained as the teaching), of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6) because they don’t really know what they are talking about.”
Through Jesus, His teaching, ministry on the cross, and resurrection, we learn that He is our real sign, our hope, who is always with us. He will keep our hearts warm with the light of His love, no matter how coldly the Winter winds blow. That will keep us glowing, even beyond Spring, into eternity. Praise the Lord that we are able to see beyond the signs of nature in the seen world, to the true sign, of Christ Himself.
Prayer: Father,thank Youfor the signs and wonders You have provided. I know that You are God and Jesus is my Lord. This is good news to share with the world. May I come to know you even better than the signs in the sky. And may I be a sign of Your grace to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Song: Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?
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