PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 24:32-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender…” (Matthew 24:32)
Is Jesus figuratively referring to the nation of Israel one day in the future.
Was Jesus thinking of 1948 when Israel was recognized as a state?
Were his words meaningless to millions of believers for thousands of years before 1948?
Like the mustard seed, or the leaven, or the sparrow, Jesus uses nature for illustrations.
He is speaking to those living then, telling them about what will come in 70AD.
The destruction of Jerusalem at that time was exactly as Jesus described here.
Nevertheless, this lesson has applications for all times and all peoples.
What is happening in the world, and in Jerusalem today, are also signs.
The signs of our times tell me the same thing that they did in Jesus’s day.
As a history nerd, I observe that there is nothing new under the sun.
Empires, dictators, nations and economies will rise… and fall.
We will have trouble in this world, but I take heart: Jesus has overcome the world!
Jesus is Lord, Jesus is coming, evil will not last forever but Jesus and his message will.
As I watch the signs of spring, I’m reminded of this lesson: Jesus is birthing a new world!
PRAYER
Lord, the signs of the times say what they always do: they remind me that my hope is not in this world. Come quickly Lord Jesus, my hope is in you!
“all these things have happened” – and they have. Jesus prophesied what would happen and they did – it says a lot to me. I have to take Jesus at his word and his word is true. Lord Jesus help me to connect and live a life in keeping with the truth – help me to follow your footsteps and not get caught up in the concerns of the day – but rather to be a source of comfort and peace – because that it who you are! Thank you for the hope we have in the face of challenge!