The end of the age (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. … Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
Luke 21:29-33.

The end of the age (2)
Jesus Christ had spoken of the upheaval and the fears that will precede His return to earth. He now adds a parable that shows clearly that we are living today at the end of the age.

The fig tree is a well-known illustration of the people of Israel (Hosea 9:10; Luke 13:6-9). When the buds sprout in April, this is the sign that “summer is near”, and also the harvest. What is meant is the restoration of Israel – founded as a state in 1948. This is, however, not the spiritual revival of the people, which will come later (Ezekiel 37), for the vast majority in Israel are not yet prepared to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and Redeemer. The reference to “all the trees” is interesting, for in the countries neighbouring Israel states are also being formed.

Jesus had just indicated the destruction of Israel and the scattering of the Jews (Luke 21:20-24), that actually happened in 70 A.D., and He predicted the restoration of Israel that happened unexpectedly in the 20th century. We see that Jesus’ words are absolutely reliable. And the final part of His prophecy will not “pass away”, but soon be fulfilled. The kingdom of God is at hand, and Jesus will come again to establish His reign of peace over the whole world. It will soon take place, for “the fig tree” has already “budded”.

(concluded)

Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 · Mark 5:35-43