Jesus prophesied two events we must be prepared for. The first is tribulation and the other is His second coming. We certainly see great tribulation in this day and age — war, disease, poverty, famine, etc. Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach his disciples an important lesson about reading the “signs of the times”. The fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The signs of spring are evident for all who can see. Just so are the signs of God’s kingdom and his coming in judgment.
We do not know when the Lord will return again. But the Lord does give us signs, not only to wake us up as a warning, but also to rouse our spirits to be ready and eager to see his kingdom come in all its power and glory. The Lord wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for his coming. He comes to us each day and knocks on the doors of our hearts.
Do we recognize the signs of the times? Do we pray for God’s kingdom to be fully revealed? Lord Jesus Christ, you are the beginning and the end of all creation. Rouse our spirit to seek your kingdom first in all that we do. Amen.
