In
Just One Generation
I believe there is only one appropriate place to
begin this study, for everything that I will write about in this study has
occurred, or is occurring, in only one Biblically specified “generation.” The
Parable of the Fig Tree In Matthew 24:32-35 the Lord Jesus Christ gave to His
disciples what is commonly referred to as “The Parable of the Fig Tree.” See
also Mark 13:28-31 and Luke 21:29-33. This parable was given right after the
Lord had concluded the prophecies set forth in the preceding 31 verses of the
chapter. In the verses which follow this parable (24:36-51; 25:1-46), the Lord
simply expanded upon the prophecies already set forth in the first 31 verses.
This arrangement of the Lord’s discourse makes it obvious that the Lord Himself
placed great emphasis on “The Parable of the Fig Tree.” This parable is very
important. Is there a reason for this?
Notice that the Lord instructed His disciples to
“learn” the parable. Therefore, any one claiming to be a “Christian” that
refuses to study and “learn” the truth that is taught in this parable is
willfully disobeying the Lord Himself. Read John 14:21-24. It is sad that many
of God’s people [not all] read Matthew 24 and yet pay little or no attention to
this parable, and don’t really have a clue as to what it means or why the Lord
inserted it in His Olivet Discourse.
The
Fig Tree
When we obey the Lord and study this parable, what
we “learn” is that the “fig tree” is symbolic of Israel. This is indisputable
for anyone wanting to deal honestly with God’s Word, for such is clearly taught
and stated in Jeremiah 24:4-7 and Hosea 9:10, and is used in such a manner in
many other Scriptures.
The “Parable of the Fig Tree” then speaks
prophetically of the re-establishment and expansion of the nation of Israel.
The nation of Israel became a reality in modern times on May 14, 1948. The
certainty of this prophecy coming to pass was emphasized by the Lord when He
followed the parable by saying, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not
pass away” Matt. 24:35).
That this parable prophetically teaches the
re-establishment of the nation of Israel was unwittingly verified when the
newly established nation issued their first postage stamp. That first stamp was
imprinted with a picture of a fig tree budding. Glory to God! Coincidence…?? Or
was it the hand of God?
The
tender branch
When the nation of Israel was re-established, it was
only a “tender branch.” Many people in high places, supposedly friends of the
Jewish people, had predicted that when the Jews declared themselves an
“independent” nation, the Arab nations would wipe them out. But it didn’t
happen! Little David beat Goliath right into the dust! When the Jews declared
their independence, the whole Jewish population in the Holy Land numbered only
about 350,000 people. They went to war against the Arab nations who have a
combined population of a hundred million people, and yet God gave Israel the
victory! Glory! Praise the Lord! The “tender branch” had succeeded in
“sprouting” again. Read Job 14:7-9 and give praise to God.
The newly formed nation of Israel remained a “tender
branch” for the next 7 years. But then in the 8th year the Lord began to
“toughen them up.” In 1956 the Jews had to fight the “Suez Canal War.” Once
again, the odds were overwhelming, but again God gave them the victory. The
“tender branch” had been buffeted in the storm, and had survived and began to
grow with new life. The population of Israel began to increase as Jews in other
countries began to realize that Israel was here to stay, and they started
coming “home.” Read Jeremiah 24:6.
Putting
forth leaves
Eleven more years passed during which the population
of Israel steadily increased. Then in 1967 Israel showed the whole world just
“how tough” the “tender branch” had become. That year Israel fought the “Six
Day War.” In just six days God again gave Israel victory over the combined
forces of the Arab nations. In that war Israel regained control of their
beloved city of Jerusalem, the Sinai Peninsula, and the West Bank, known to the
Jews as “Judea and Samaria.” The “tender branch” in just six days had “put
forth leaves.”
All
these things
Now carefully notice the next statement made by our
Lord, “So
likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at
the doors.” Remember that the Lord commanded His disciples to
“learn” this parable. See what things. Know what is near. In other words, the
Lord was telling the disciples that when “all these things” that He had
predicted in the preceding 31 verses were happening at the same time, then the
disciples would “know” that “the kingdom of God is nigh at hand,” Mark
13:29-31. Read Mark’s account for yourself. The Lord said in Mark’s account
that the “it” in Matthew’s account is “the kingdom of God.” Praise the Lord!
Hallelujah!