In my opinion we cannot interpret the signs of the times.
MT 16:2 He replied, "When evening comes, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 3 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. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
The sign that the Pharisees wanted was perhabs the Joel sign of the sun being covered and so forth.
Jesus however, gave them the sign of Jonah ... because once the Joel sign is there, without Jonah's sign ... it is too late.
However, we should interpret prophecies of the end times. (Mt. 24:25)
Not signs, but prophecies.
But this must be looked at from a perspective of "birth pains" (v.8), meaning some events, such as wars and famines will be increasing in frequency. The time of peace between these events will be shorter and shorter. (Mt.24:3-25).
Then, at some point after v.8, this will lead to more definite events.
HOWEVER, the emphasis on watching these prophecies is so that we will not be deceived by false christs (vv.24,26,27).
And I'll tell you ... it takes some wisdom to figure out the future EVEN based on prophecies.
We could easily see the past events as reflected in the prophecies ... but future - tough.
It took some really wise men to figure out the exact time of Christ's birth.
Merry Christmas, by the way.
Thanks,
Ed
