5 Feb, 2009
Groundhog Day: Phil Sees Shadow, Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter
Monday , February 02, 2009
The world's most famous groundhog saw his shadow Monday morning, predicting that this already long winter will last for six more weeks.
Punxsutawney Phil emerged just after dawn in front of an estimated 13,000 witnesses, many dressed in black and gold to celebrate the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl victory the night before.
"There's significant buzz from the Steelers win and quite a few Terrible Towels floating from the crowd," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary for tourism in Pennsylvania.
The annual ritual takes place on Gobbler's Knob, a tiny hill in Punxsutawney, a borough of about 6,100 residents some 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
(Get the rest of the story at: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,486491,00.html)
Is It Morning or Evening Red Sky That is Bad?
Matthew 16:1-4 (The Message)
1-4 Some Pharisees and Sadducees were on him again, pressing him to prove himself to them. He told them, "You have a saying that goes, 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.' You find it easy enough to forecast the weather - why can't you read the signs of the times? An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you'll get is the Jonah sign." Then he turned on his heel and walked away.What does God's Story scripture teach us about recognizing Jesus?
At first glance it seems like Jesus is being a little harsh to these religious leaders. They are just trying to make sure Jesus is who he says he is, right? The problem with this is what happened before they came questioning and asking for proof. Days before they interrogated Jesus, he was sitting on a hillside healing large numbers of people. Then as that day waned, he felt compassion on the masses around him, so he had them sit down. From 7 loaves and a few fish, he fed 4,000.
Now that we have more of the picture, do you understand why Jesus might be a little vexed by their questioning? Here they are, the religious leaders of the time. The people who should be able to spot him, are asking for even more proof. Jesus gives them kind of an odd answer to their inquiry. He tells them they get no sign, but the sign of Jonah. In that declaration Jesus points to his death and resurrection. The Prophet Jonah spent 3 days in a big fish, like Jesus would spend 3 days in the grave between his crucifixion and being raised from the dead.
I would guess Jesus is baffled by our inability to see him. We are always asking for signs, when the whole time he's right in front of us... from the beauty of creation to the difference he has made in our lives or someone we know.
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
Have you ever asked God "Will you give me a sign?" At some point or another I think we all have. Maybe it was for proof that he was there or trying to figure out what choice He wanted us to make. If we really stop for a minute and examine our hearts, maybe He has already shown Himself, and we need to just pay attention. Psalm 46:10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God... (NASB)" Check for God's answer here sometime...
- Sit still and just breathe for a few minutes.
- Ask an older follower of Jesus to help you search the Bible for answers that God might have given to your question.
- Take a day and tell God thank you for the ways He makes His love known to you (i.e. the Bible, Creation, other people).
How can we connect today's story, God's Story Scripture, and our story to others?
We have all kinds of superstitions for predicting the weather: the red sky at night stuff, or if you see an all brown "woolly worm" it will be a mild winter. One of the most famous is of course Groundhog Day. Will Phil see his shadow or not? We are constantly looking for signs in the world around us. That also means there are lots of open doors for conversation about where we see God.
- You can start simple by asking what your friends think about Groundhog Day. Then ask if they have ever had things they have asked for signs about. Be ready to share your own story first.
- As the conversation moves along, ask if they got the sign and what that meant for them. You can then ask if that was enough proof there was a God or if they still wanted more. Why was it or wasn't it enough?
- Be ready to share with your friend where you see God the most, and the difference He makes in your life.
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