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Listen while you read: "Lord This Day Thy Children Meet"1 (Lyrics) |
My father was a horticulturist, at least when it came to his fig tree; it was the focal point in the centre of our backyard. Dad would always be watching to see signs of life when the first green leaf would appear. He would spring into action by grafting three or four varieties of figs onto the little tree. To my father's delight, it would always flourish with new growth.
Interestingly, Jesus used the fig tree as a symbol of His return:
Matthew 24:32-33 – Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. (NASB)
As a minister of the gospel, my dad was keenly aware of end-time events predicted in Scripture. Perhaps that is why he was so partial to the fig tree. He believed that its prophetic fruit was beginning to blossom. Like many believers, he associated the fig tree with the nation of Israel; therefore, he encouraged his church to observe the things that were happening in connection to the holy land. Several remarkable modern events are among the historical instances of developments that show some evidence of having been foreshadowed in biblical prophecies. Consider the following:
Isaiah 66:8 – Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons. (NASB)
Israel was re-established as a nation on May 14, 1948.
Isaiah 43:5-6 – Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, "Give them up!" And to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth. (NASB)
Jewish people have been re-gathered from the four corners of the earth.
Ezekiel 36:34 – The desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes by. (NASB)
The nation of Israel has become a land of agricultural abundance.
Psalm 83:4 – They have said, "Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more." (NASB)
Other nations have regularly threatened Israel's existence.
But what does all this have to do with us?
Matthew 24:44 – Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (NKJV)
We are called to watch and pray for knowledge of things currently taking place in our world. We are to read the Word of God and to join with others in studying the Bible, seeking to discern the signs of our times, and to be ready for the events yet to take place in the end times.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You with thanksgiving for the hope that You have instilled in us by the Holy Spirit. Help us to draw close to You each day for the encouragement and strength that You provide. Give us Your power to live in these days of unrest. Assist us to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. Give us the boldness to witness to those who have not yet come to know You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Good food for thought Parise.
I guess the fig tree would perish in our Canadian winters but our heart won’t!
Well done Parise.
Blessings.
Great devotional Parise, right on!! Thank God for Israel and the prayers of those who love and support her.
Amen! My husband is leading a Bible study at our church on the “End Times.” It’s very interesting. Too bad we don’t hear much from the pulpit about it. Thanks for enlightening our readers today, Parise and God bless you always.
How special your analogy of your dad and the fig tree was.
The end times, the “day of the Lord” is coming and you are right we need to be bold, tell the good news to all as we have been commanded to do.
Thanks for sharing your insights and gathering historical information and, special thanks for sharing it with us so that we may be more informed, learning to interpret our works then the Holy Word.
Blessings.
Thank you, Parise, for this timely reminder of Christ’s return. In my lifetime, I’ve personally lived through the fulfillment of these prophecies and have seen, with my own eyes, the farms, cities and vibrantly alive and fruitful country that Israel is today. It’s truly God’s own miracle! Blessings.
Good morning Parise, I so enjoy every article you contribute to the daily devotionals. You sound as though you have had an amazing childhood. Your dad and the fig tree illustration was so interesting.
I liked all the prophecies you gave concerning the fulfillment of scripture and thoughts on the second coming.
I understand you are in a seniors complex; I hope you like it there and I’m sure you are a blessing to others.
Hello Praise.
Yes, friend, there are many events spoken of that will take place. But, the Bride of Christ will not be here! He, will gather all of His own in a moment!
Friend, rejoice, hold fast to that which you have. And, yes, I pray with you for the salvation of many.
(USA)
Dear Parise,
I commend you for writing on a topic that powerfully demonstrates Israel’s divine role in the fulfillment of today’s prophetic events and our Lord’s return. Clearly, God is not through with the Jewish people as some have suggested. As I read your devotional, I was reminded of Isaiah 49:15 and Jeremiah 31:36: Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you; only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the LORD, “will Israel ever cease being a nation before me” declares the LORD.
God bless you and thank you for sharing the memories of your father’s ministry, His attentiveness to Israel and God’s prophetic truth.
Thank you Parise for sharing the wonderful prophecy of the fig tree as it relates to Israel.
Like your father, I too have an avid fondness for fig trees. There are only four in my back yard due to a lack of space. I believe that are the sweetest of God’s fruits.
The nation of Israel has been likened to the fig tree. Your Scripture selections have brought this out. Although a lot more can be said about these prophecies, it is difficult to condense them into a small devotional.
That being said, in future events there will always be a special remnant as He will not renege on His covenantal promise to His chosen people Israel.
God has a special blessing for you Parise by bringing this to the forefront.
Dear Parise,
This is a beautiful gospel devotional.
I pray that we will be diligent in letting others know of salvation and glory in the faith and fellowship of Jesus Christ.
Keep writing.