The Parable of the Fig Tree.

"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summers is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors! Assuredly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV

     

          Jesus makes a statement here that has been sometimes misunderstood, even twisted, by various people. I have run across Muslims using this to discredit the scriptures by claiming the biblical Jesus was a liar. Some anti-missionary rabbis have also turned to this with a similar motive. They wish to show that Jesus could not possibly be the Messiah. Once again, the aim is to paint Him as a liar. And then there is the eschatological position that all of the biblical end time prophecies were fulfilled in 70 AD, when Rome destroyed Jerusalem. 

     The statement in question is this, "Assuredly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place." Therefore, it is claimed that Jesus was a liar, or false prophet because the generation of His day never lived to see His return. As for the view point, that these prophecies are now history, they claim that Jesus was merely speaking of judgement against Israel, and that happened in 70 AD. Of course Jesus did not literally return, with every every eye seeing Him, so I'm not entirely sure how they reconcile all of this, but anyway.

     So lets look more carefully at what Jesus is saying here, to find out what He means.  First all, remember what He has just finished saying. He has spoken of false messiahs bringing deception, wars and rumours of wars, famines, tribulation unlike anything the world has ever seen, cosmic signs, and then His visible return. 

     Now people have said that there have always been wars in various places, and the same for famines. What I look for here are specific wars that occur at the time of the appearance of a leader who turns out to be the antichrist. Middle eastern conflicts where an eventual coalition of ten Muslim nations where a leader emerges as its head ( Dan 7:23-24) would be what I look for. This would be that leader who makes some form of covenant with Israel for 7 Years( Dan 9:27). As the seals of Revelation are broken one by one, we will see these events take place. As this man rises to power we will see conflicts, economic disaster and famine. Perhaps this is how the mark of the beast comes into existence. Then at the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy this man will be revealed for who he really is and what is known as the great tribulation will be underway (Daniel 7:20-25, 9:27).

     So what we need to understand is this. Jesus was describing the events leading up to His visible return. Included in this are the cosmic signs. The sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn blood red. We will see stars falling from the sky. Then He will return. Jesus was not saying that His generation would be the ones to see His return. He was telling us that the generation to be alive when these various signs began to take place, would be the generation to see His return. In Luke's gospel he says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28 NKJV).

     As one continues to read on, Jesus uses several parables to teach us to be ready for His return. In two places He leaves the impression that it might be a long time (Matt 24:48, 25:19). In both instances a man leaves for a while, places servants in charge, and is a long time in returning. Now did Jesus mean for us to understand that He might be a while in coming again? It could very well be. At any rate He has not returned yet, so it is up to us to be faithful and ready for His return. He tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not. Context is everything when studying scripture, and by taking this passage as a whole (Matt 24-25), and not a verse here and there, a more accurate conclusion can be reached.

He Who Overcomes

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will have 

 tribulation: but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)

     The bible is filled with admonitions to overcome. As followers of Christ, we face perils of all kinds. There is the world and all of its temptations, the lust of the eyes, of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). The Christian will face hatred and persecution for their faith in Jesus (John 15:18-21). Just as the world did to Jesus, they will do to His followers as well. We understand from the scriptures that perilous days will come (2 Tim 3:1-5). False teachers and deception has, and will continue to abound (Matt 24:4, 24; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1). Ultimately, Satan prowls around as a lion, seeking someone to devour (2 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:7-12).

     In the seven letters to the churches found in the book of Revelation we see a variety of pitfalls that have been prevalent for the last two thousand years of church history. We see the cold formal church, doing the right things, but lacking love (Rev 2:1-7).

     Then there is the church undergoing persecution, found in Revelation 2:8-11. Compromise with sin and doctrinal error have persisted as well, as we see in the letters to the church in Pergamos (Rev 2:12-17), and Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29). One thing that is worth noting here is the fact that several of these churches were doing right things, they had those who were faithful, yet the fact that error and compromise was allowed, was in effect destroying their spiritual life, and consequently their witness before the world. 

     We go on to read of a church that was busy, they had a reputation of being an alive, perhaps vibrant church, but the reality was, they were dead (Rev 3:1-6)! Then there was a faithful church, in spite of everything they faced, they persevered in standing true to Christ (Rev 3:7-13). 

     Perhaps the church everyone is the most familiar with is the "lukewarm church" of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22). This church thought they were in great shape, but they did not realize their spiritual poverty. they were self sufficient and proud, and did not realize that God was about to spit them out of His mouth.

     The common theme found in each of these letters is the call to overcome.  The lack of love, compromise with sin, doctrinal error, persecution, spiritual deadness, and lukewarmness, had to be overcome. The simple truth is that we are overcome by the things we do not overcome! We read in closing chapters of Revelation, who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7 NKJV).

     I would like to stress here that I am not advocating a works salvation where we earn God's favor. However, Jesus came to set us free from our sin, and how saved are we, if we willingly remain in it? Once again, we are overcome by what we do not overcome!

     Peter warns of those who once escaped the bondage of this world, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and then were once again entangled and overcome  (2 Peter 2:19-20). You are overcome by what bring you into bondage!

     Jesus has the answer for us. We read that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony, and our willingness to stand firm, even in the face of death (Rev 12:11). Thousands of Christians have faced persecution and death and remained faithful to the end. It has been said that the blood of the saints is the seed of the church, and I believe it. 

     John tells us, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5)? Just as Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33), we too can overcome the world. By faith in Christ, a faith that goes beyond believing right things about Jesus, to a faith that ruthlessly follows Him, trusting Him to guide, give courage, and empower. Real biblical faith adheres to Christ through all circumstances, shunning error and compromise, and boldly standing firm to the very end. If we truly believe who Jesus says He is, then will He not remain faithful to His word? In His word we find promises to bring us through all manners of temptations and trials. He has made it possible for us to become partakers of His divine nature, granting us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4). 

     As His followers it is time to draw a line in the sand, to make that irrevocable choice to stand firm to the end. Be an overcomer.