Watching and Waiting

Mark 13:33 (NIV)
Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come.
Every morning, as soon as my eyes open, I climb atop the wall. Because I know Him and miss Him walking through my city and encouraging my kids and those I love, I am Eagerly watching and waiting for his return. I know he is close because He told me before He left things to watch for that would signal His soon return. Besides the "signs of the times", the words that speak to me most and let me know that He is on his way are;
Luke 21:29-32 (NIV)
He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. [32] “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
The fig tree Jesus is speaking of is a reference to Israel. When he spoke these words over 2000 years ago, Israel was still a nation. So this parable probably confused the disciples. When Jesus stoke these words, the Jews had their temple and occupied Isreal.
About 40 years later, Rome would come to Jerusalem to squash a revolt and tear down the Jewish temple..
(See Luke 21:6 (NIV)
“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”)
... and disperse the Jews.
....
......
The rebirth of Israel as an independent nation in 1948 is one of the most significant events in world history. Never before has an entire race of people been without a homeland for so long without assimilating into surrounding populations.
In 1948, the Fig Tree was planted. Israel has been blossoming ever since!
Read this again..
Luke 21:29-32 (NIV)
He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. [32] “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Mark 13:28-30 says the same.
Wake up people! Our Lord is returning soon! Keep watch and be ready to welcome him. When he arrives there will be two groups, those who celebrate, and those who mourn. Which group will you be in?
- We're all one in Christ
- Have Hope! Revelation 21:1-5 -