The Fig Tree Speaks

Can you discern the times? This was a question I found myself pondering this morning as I read Jesus’ words in the book of Matthew. Over the last couple of days, I’ve found myself both stuck and completely unraveled by the teachings of Christ, yet each day He gives another slice of wisdom to His followers truths that still speak today. Today’s wisdom comes from Matthew 24, where Jesus spoke to His disciples about the end times and what signs would mark His second coming. The scripture that really stayed with me is:

“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.” — Matthew 24:32–33

When looking at the fig tree from a biblical and prophetic standpoint, we see that it represents many things being used: to cover the shame of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7), being cursed for not producing fruit (Mark 11:12–14), and even being used for revival (1 Samuel 30:12). Yet Jesus says it is also a symbol of His coming, and that we should learn a lesson from it.

Which leads me to ask: When is the last time you sat down and learned something from God’s own creation?

I ask because it seems that we, as a people, have become so consumed with learning on our own terms and gaining earthly wisdom instead of heavenly knowledge, that we miss the simplest teachings found in what He has made. And if we dismiss what His heart longs to share with us, my fear is that we will miss Him and we will not be ready when He returns.

Jesus’ teachings are both simple and profound. They are not hard to understand if we are truly seeking Him and paying attention. He calls us to sit, to listen, and to learn of His coming. Many take the time to study their “signs,” to learn when the moon is in retrograde, but what about taking the time to learn of Jesus, of the Kingdom of Heaven, and to prepare for His arrival?

I would rather be called a fool by the world than a fool by my Father in heaven.

So again, I ask: Can you discern the times?

Have you learned the lesson the fig tree has to offer?

Have you prepared yourself to stand at the door so that it may be opened to you?

Don’t be left behind. Don’t be forgotten.