RPG Adults
SIGNS OF HIS COMING: THE FIG TREE (1)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Matthew 24:32-36
Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2
Revive us again, O Lord!
SIGNS OF HIS COMING: THE FIG TREE (1)
The fig tree symbolically represents the nation Israel. Ponder the significance of our Lord’s words: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matt 24:32-33).
What is our Lord saying? Recall that Jesus was about to be crucified by the Roman governor Pilate, as Israel was under the Roman yoke. Nationalistically speaking, Israel was non-existent: the fig tree was dead or languishing. It was to remain so for the next 1,900 years. In fact, some thirty-five years after our Lord spoke, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, slaughtered a million Jews and dispersed the rest throughout the world. Humanly speaking, Israel was finished.
Jesus spoke about the “Parable of the Fig Tree” with an eye on the eventual return and reinstatement of Israel in the land. With this background, let us explain His words: “Now draw a lesson from the nation Israel. When Israel begins to take its place again as a nation, and flourish (like the fig tree in summer), be discerning and know: my coming is near, even at the doors.” Soon after our Lord spoke, He went to His death, and His people paid dearly for killing their Messiah, even as they said, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matt 27:25).
The years of dreadful persecution and dispersion have passed. The land has been trampled underfoot by foreign conquerors. The Jews were settled in 100 countries around the globe. Suddenly, “out of the blue” on 14 May 1948, the modern state of Israel was born. In the face of Arab opposition, the fig tree took root and began to grow, “…his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves….” Now read Matthew 24:32 with better appreciation of our Lord’s return.
THOUGHT: Why are the Jews, scattered all over the world, returning to Israel?
PRAYER: May my eyes see with wisdom and understanding what Thou art doing with Israel, Thy chosen nation, O Father.