For several days now, we’ve “enjoyed” hot weather. Some love it when on holiday on the beach, but for most of us, in the busyness of normal life and with the UK’s humidity, it’s not that great. Perhaps you’ve struggled too. What struck me though was the sheer number and severity of warnings we’re receiving about it all. Extra news bulletins, extra banners on websites, deep-red coloured maps. Travelling to London this week, there were posters everywhere calling everyone to bring a water bottle. Oh, and don’t do demanding work or exercise! The high temperatures are indeed difficult for some, but the warnings suggest this is our greatest danger. It’s not…
It reminded me of some words of Jesus Christ, to the people in his day. “He said to the crowd, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to be hot,” and it is.’” They spoke to one another about the upcoming weather. But they missed something more important!
Jesus, normally so full of compassion for the crowds, this time continued with hard-hitting words to those who didn’t believe him: “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?” (Luke’s Gospel, chapter 12 verses 54-56). They understood the upcoming weather and acted upon it, but didn’t notice the far more important signs: how Jesus had been teaching with authority, done great miracles of healing, and showed his power over nature and evil spirits. They should’ve “interpreted the times”, namely that Jesus the long-awaited Saviour of God was amongst them, yet many of them didn’t act upon it (verses 57-59).
Isn’t it similar today? How many people take appropriate action regarding the weather, yet don’t act upon the more important ‘signs of the times’ that call us all to make sure we’re right with God?
Jesus Christ came into this world, died on the cross, and rose from the dead to new life. His Kingdom has been spreading for some 2000 years now, bringing life and love and blessing to millions. But Jesus also said that one day soon He’ll come back. Then the time of invitation and grace will be over. Then Jesus will be King and Judge of all. You and I will have to give account before Him of all we’ve said and done. Now that’s a true code red warning! For I know I’m not perfect and couldn’t stand before such a Judge. I know I need God’s forgiveness. But I also trust Jesus as he added a wonderful invitation to this warning: ‘whoever believes in me, will be saved; follow me!’ How about you? Will you heed that word and warning, far more important than tomorrow’s weather?
This column first appeared in the Newark Advertiser in July 2026, and was written by Klaas-Jan Gunnink