Watching the Fig Tree 
Hamas supporters celebrating Election Victory
(photo from www.foxnews.com)
As Hamas won victory in the Palestinian elections this past week, our eyes were focused again on Israel and the Holy Lands. What will happen next? In December of 2001 Israel's perspective was that if the Hamas were in control at least we would know who the enemy was. In fact Israel's Finance Minister Silvan Shalom said that if Hamas took over the Palestinian Authority, at least the world would know who Israel's adversary truly is. Now, Hamas is in control of the Palestinian Parliament. Instantly the US demanded that Hamas recognize Israel rising to its new role in governance in a responsible manner. That doesn't look seem very likely, but our eyes are focused again on the "fig tree" to see what will happen next.
Hamas supporters celebrating Election Victory(photo from www.foxnews.com)
In the 24th chapter of Matthew as Jesus was talking to His disciples about the last days, he spoke to them about the fig tree in verses 32-35.
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get
tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near,
right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will
certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will
never pass away. Matthew 24:32-35 (NIV)
tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near,
right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will
certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will
never pass away. Matthew 24:32-35 (NIV)
We have come to understand that the fig tree represents Israel, and that Israel is a key to the unfolding of the events of the last days. One of the most significant events was the Israel becoming a nation again in 1948. For decades hundreds of Jewish people had begun returning to their homeland, but in 1948 they received recognition again as a nation. The fig tree began to bud again. Through the years we have continued to watch Israel and the Holy Lands just as we might watch the trees and know from their budding that Spring had arrived and Summer was near.
Jesus was telling his disciples that the signs he was sharing in this chapter were indications, like the budding of the fig tree, that His return was near. He went even further to say, that the generation that saw the budding of the fig tree would not pass away before this promise came to pass!
I believe we are living in that generation right now! Hey for believers this is good news. As Luke records in Luke 21:28,
When these things begin to take place, stand up and
lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Today I want you to be encouraged. Our hope is in Christ who is coming again, and you are a part of that generation that will see it come to pass! Have a blessed day!
2 comments:
Here are two of the most prominent verses to show where it is understood Israel is the fig tree.
Hosea 9:10
10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
KJV
In the next verse you’ll read Joel is talking.To the elders of Israel concerning her impending captivity into Babylon. Again Israel is refered to as a fig tree.
Joel 1:7
7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
KJV
Thanks,Stephanie, for the insights form Hosea and Joel. Those verses are on target and lay good ground work for understanding what the fig tree represents in Matthew 24. As we watch things unfold in Israel, it looks like what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse," speaking of how things would be in the "Last Days." Again, I always appreciate good insights. Thanks.
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