Interpret the Present Time: Obtuse Angles

“You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? ~Luke 12:56

When you see lightning in the distance you know it’s probably snowing, right? No, it obviously indicates there is a storm! When it’s raining, you figure it must be sweltering outside. Obviously not. God imbued creation with common sense; a smaller animal knows not to cross the path of a bigger animal because, in their limited reasoning, they understand that danger is present. Humanity is the only creature that can rationalize choosing a dangerous path.

Learning to Interpret the Present Time

Through natural revelation, we can perceive there is a Creator, and we can understand there is a difference between right and wrong, truth and lies. With this ability comes the choice to act ignorantly. The crowd to whom Jesus is speaking has the perceptual scope of an obtuse angle – greater than 90 degrees but less than the full plain of 180 degrees. These words are for us too, especially when we act righteously all the while being benighted (aka a hypocrite).

On the day of Judgement, people will come to Jesus proclaiming they did great works in His name. He will tell them that only the one who does the Will of my Father who is in heaven will enter the kingdom of heaven. I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matt. 7:21, 23).

You are not without excuse (Romans 1:20).

Always improve the present moment.