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. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24: 32-35

When you talk to people nowadays, even people who have no knowledge of the Bible, they can all tell something is going on. Most people sense some urgency in the air, most people understand that our nations and governments are collapsing right before our eyes, however those who don’t have spiritual discernment or knowledge of the Bible, can’t explain these events

This is why it’s important to study your Bible on a daily basis, as Jesus said “My Words shall not pass away” The Word of God is eternal and relevant for every generation. Many people today are taught that the Bible is “outdated” or not relevant to todays generation, however when they notice today’s events were actually prophesied thousands of years ago, the light bulb sometimes goes off in their head, they actually realize the Bible is the Word of God and it’s very relevant to the world today and forever.

So the main event most Christians are waiting for is the return of Christ, this has been an event anticipated since the Apostles. The Church has longed for Jesus to come back and reestablish God’s Kingdom. However what most Christians forget or don’t realize, there is still work for the Church to do. The Great Commision was a command given by Christ “Preach the gospel to all the nations “ (Matthew 28:19) If there was ever a mission statement for the Church, this should be it! We as the Church have work to do, share the good news of Jesus Christ! 

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:36-39

So even though nobody knows the exact day or hour of Jesus return, can we anticipate when Christ will return? Well Jesus taught us the “Parable of The Fig Tree” as an analogy to his return. Just as we can anticipate when summer or winter is coming based on the signs of the trees, we can anticipate when Christ’s return is getting closer based on the signs of the times. Of course we should always be ready and anticipate Christ return every day

Jesus compared His return to the “Days of Noah”, everyone was eating, drinking, living their best life now until the rain started. This will be the same as Christ returning, everyone going about their daily business, partying and working, having no discernment of the signs of the time. This is why it’s vital you share the gospel to everyone before it’s too late!

So how do we know what season we are in? Remember the parable of the Fig Tree, notice the signs of the times, remember the Days of Noah, Christ is returning soon! Amen!

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:18-22

When Jesus rebuked the Fig Tree and it immediately withered it reminded me of Christ teachings from Matthew 7, Jesus said “Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire” (Matthew 7:19) I believe the reason Christ cursed this Fig Tree in the presence of his Apostles, was to hammer home this point. Obedience to Jesus Christ is essential in our walk of faith. We can’t claim to love The Lord and be disobedient to his commands. 

Another thing that Christ is demonstrating here is his deity as God in the Flesh (John 1:14) Remember when Jesus commanded the winds and the sea to obey him, and they did (Matthew 8:23-27) Jesus did the same here with the Fig Tree, he demonstrated his sovereignty and power as God. Who else can command the trees and sea to obey him? Christ demonstrated He is Lord over All, Lord over the natural world and the supernatural world. 

Now coming to the subject of faith, Jesus said “If you have faith and don’t doubt, you shall be able to move mountains” Of course I’m paraphrasing here, but this is Jesus point, if you truly have faith, God will move mountains for you if you remain in complete faith with Christ.! You might ask “How is this possible”? Well remember as a Born Again Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside of You (Romans 8:11) The same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead! Often as Christians, we forget that we are the Temple of God (1 Cor 3:16) and the Holy Spirit is living inside of us!

The original Greek word for Faith is “Pistis” , its a word that mean belief, trust, allegiance, and confidence. The word faith goes alot deeper than the way we view it in English, such as the same with the word Love or Agape in Greek. It’s a much deeper word than what our translation can convey. What’s my point? When we say we have “Faith in Christ” this is not just a shallow or philosophical statement, this is a way of life. Faith in Christ doesn’t mean you just repeat a few words and your saved, it means your follow and obey the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart, mind, and soul

So when Jesus makes the statement “Whatever you ask in prayer, you shall receive” Many carnally abuse this scripture to get worldly things, however only those who are Born Again and have full allegiance to Christ , will be answered. Somebody who is not in the Will of God, is not in faith in Christ. This is what separates the Sheep and the Goats, the Wheat and The Tares, the Sinners and the Saints, it’s full faith in Christ alone!

Let the Fig Tree be a reminder to us all, that those who don’t produce good fruit in Christ, will be eventually chopped down and thrown into Hell Fire! (Matthew 7) May you be filled and led by the Holy Spirit in Jesus name, Amen!