Mark wrote how Jesus spoke concerning future events upon the earth and said, “in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he has chosen, he has shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take you heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-eight of his book, Mark shared how Jesus said, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree”, where we read:
Now learn a parable of the fig tree;
When her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near:
The verse reads, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree;” Mark began with the words, “now learn” or “moreover and be apprised, increase in knowledge and be informed about” “a parable” which means “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning” “of the fig tree” or “concerning the tree that bears fig fruit”. Mark shared how Jesus directed His disciples attention toward another “earthly story with a heavenly meaning” concerning “the fig tree”.
The verse continues, “When her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near:” Mark added the words, “when her branch” which means “at the time and moment the fig tree's young tender shoot, twig or bough” “is yet tender” or “is even now or already soft and full of sap”, “and puts forth leaves” which means “and generates, grows and produces sprouted leaves”, “you know” or “the disciples and those hearing Jesus understand, perceive and discern” “that summer is near” which means “that the season of summer is close at hand, imminent and soon to come pass”. Mark shared how Jesus referred to sign of “leaves” appearing on “fig trees” as being a “sign” that the “summer” season is close at hand.
When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus used the illustration of knowing “summer is near” when the “tender branch” of the “fig tree” bears “leaves”. The idea is the “signs” within the “fig tree” show people when a “season” is near, and the “signs” of the times will indicate the nearness of the return of the Lord Jesus. God the Father's desire is for people to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, and when they yield to Him they shall observe the “signs” happening in the world and be continually looking for His appearing.
Next time Mark shares how Jesus says, “when you shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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