Hello, again! Admittedly, my wife is the chief blogger in the family. But the Spirit convicted me to begin writing again, and gave me this topic to write about.
In the Olivet discourse Jesus gives a short parable regarding the fig tree and makes an interesting statement.
Matthew 24:32-34 Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
There is some controversy as to whom "this generation" refers. If one presumes that the fig tree is symbolic of Israel, as it is one of the symbols used of Israel in the Old Testament (another symbol is the vineyard), this would make it a specific generation of Israel. But which one? From what He says in verse 34 above it is the one that will be alive when all the events Jesus just described take place.
Every generation has believed that it was living in the end times. However, the difference now compared to the previous 1900 plus years is that Israel is back in the land. The fig tree has sprouted. Some argue this regathering of Israel is a secular attempt to fulfill scripture, since Israel has not completely turned back to God. There are several answers to that, but in consistency with the above passage the fig tree has only just budded its leaves; it has not borne any fruit yet. I believe she will not bear fruit as prophesied in the Old Testament about her prosperity and the prosperity to her surrounding neighbors until Messiah returns to lead her into His millenial kingdom.
Jesus is near. He is at the door. Are you ready for His return? If you are not, there will not be time to choose Him when He does return. His return is compared to the flash of a bolt of lightning. The time to prepare for His return is now by receiving Him in faith. Faith is believing with all of your heart in something, or this case Someone, that we cannot directly see. The time to choose Jesus is now. If you are not sure if you are ready for Jesus return, send me an email. I would be happy to discuss this critical matter further.
In the Olivet discourse Jesus gives a short parable regarding the fig tree and makes an interesting statement.
Matthew 24:32-34 Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
There is some controversy as to whom "this generation" refers. If one presumes that the fig tree is symbolic of Israel, as it is one of the symbols used of Israel in the Old Testament (another symbol is the vineyard), this would make it a specific generation of Israel. But which one? From what He says in verse 34 above it is the one that will be alive when all the events Jesus just described take place.
Every generation has believed that it was living in the end times. However, the difference now compared to the previous 1900 plus years is that Israel is back in the land. The fig tree has sprouted. Some argue this regathering of Israel is a secular attempt to fulfill scripture, since Israel has not completely turned back to God. There are several answers to that, but in consistency with the above passage the fig tree has only just budded its leaves; it has not borne any fruit yet. I believe she will not bear fruit as prophesied in the Old Testament about her prosperity and the prosperity to her surrounding neighbors until Messiah returns to lead her into His millenial kingdom.
Jesus is near. He is at the door. Are you ready for His return? If you are not, there will not be time to choose Him when He does return. His return is compared to the flash of a bolt of lightning. The time to prepare for His return is now by receiving Him in faith. Faith is believing with all of your heart in something, or this case Someone, that we cannot directly see. The time to choose Jesus is now. If you are not sure if you are ready for Jesus return, send me an email. I would be happy to discuss this critical matter further.
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