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A Note from the Preacher...Larry Sweeney

The Weather and the Bible

        How many weather reports do you hear, read, or see in a typical day? Your answer will probably reveal that you, like most people, are keenly interested in the weather. Why? The answer is obvious - the weather influences our lives. Often our plans must change as the weather changes, and what we wear as we go outside is dictated by the weather. During the winter, we dread the mention of ice or snow. In spring, we watch for thunderstorms and tornadoes. In summer, we are concerned with heat and humidity. Seemingly, our only recourse is to keep a close watch on the weather - a report for today, tomorrow, and even for the next five to seven days.
        As we know that the weather influences our lives, we should also realize that the weather influenced biblical events. In his wonderful book, Studies in the Life of Christ, R.C. Foster has a chapter entitled, “The Influence of the Weather Upon the Ministry of Jesus.” Yes, even the Lord's plans were coordinated with the climatic conditions of Palestine.
        For example, we recall that the Jewish people were required to travel to Jerusalem to sacrifice and worship during three of their great feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. It is interesting to note that Passover was in early spring, Pentecost in early summer, and Tabernacles in the fall. The timing of these “pilgrimage feasts” eliminated the burden of traveling during the cold rains and sleet and strong winds of winter.
        In addition, the weather directly affected the method of Jesus as recorded in John 10:22-23, “Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.” The time for the Feast of Dedication corresponded to our months of November - December. Thus, it was winter with its rain and cold.

With that as a background, what was Jesus doing? Jesus was preaching under the protection of Solomon's porch. He was also walking as he preached which would help in resisting the cold. As Foster concludes, “And thus the gospel was preached, whether in fair weather or in foul, whether to many or to a few. What an example this is to us!”

        ….And you thought the weather only influenced your plans!

--Larry

Are you attending Bible class? We have just begun the winter quarter. NOW is a great time to begin attending! (LS)