Seeing the Signs, Focusing on Jesus!

Reflecting on Mark 13:28-31

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree." (Mark 13:31)

What does Jesus want us to learn from the fig tree? Some people see it as a secret clue. The nation of Israel was sometimes described as a fig tree (Hosea 9:10). These people think it refers to May 14, 1948, when Israel became a nation again. Within a generation of this date (40-80 years), Jesus will return. Many dates have been proposed, and the 80th year will be 2028. I am not a ‘secret-clue’ Christian. Why would Jesus tell His disciples to learn a lesson that didn’t apply to them? Jesus is speaking to His disciples then, describing what they would see. Most of them lived to see the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Jesus is using the common fig tree as an object lesson. Fig trees were loved for their sweetness and their shade. They were everywhere, and when in bloom people could enjoy them freely. Kids would watch them, hoping to see signs of ‘early fruit’.

“When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.” (Hosea 9:10)

I hear Jesus urging His disciples to be prepared for challenging times. Don’t be alarmed, or deceived, but be prepared. Stay focused on Jesus, and not on calulating WHEN or HOW He will come. If I consider the signs, we are in one of those times again. In such times, we need to not be deceived or distracted. Stay focused on our calling, be faithful servants until He comes. Everyone will see Him when He comes, so don’t spend your time looking. Spend your times demonstrating and declaring the good news of Jesus. Maybe Jesus will come soon, maybe He won’t. Either way, my job is not to stare into the sky, but to fulfill my calling. If I am arrested, then my calling is to witness. If the world and church are roiling in fighting and division, flee from it. Don’t play the religious or political games, follow the Jesus Way. I will not wave (or fight for) a denominational or political party flag. My allegience is to Jesus, and to bearing His fruit. Jesus assures us that He will come, and His Way will win. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31) Jesus is not teaching the doctrine of the reliability of scripture. The world and church may explode in chaos and crisis. But even if heaven and earth pass away, He will not. Trust me, says Jesus, and keep Your focus on Me!

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I see the signs, and I am being tempted to be distracted or deceived by this preacher or that leader, by this church or that government. My loyalty is to You, and to Your kingdom witness of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Your fruit is the only fruit that I want to know and to show.