Today, we continue our study of Mark 13 where in context the disciples have asked the Lord Jesus how they would know that the end had come. Of course, the disciples had no idea that they would not be on the earth when the end arrived, but the Lord Jesus, nevertheless, answered their question. He answered their question for the benefit of those who will be on the earth during the Tribulation and the end comes.
In v.28 of today's passage we read, "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."
In order to help His followers to understand when the end will come, the Lord Jesus used an illustration from the fig tree. "As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near." When these events that the Lord Jesus had been accentuating in this chapter come to fruition, then the end will come. But, the main idea here is the certainty of the Word of God. Just as sure as summer follows winter, the Word of the Lord will come to pass.
For us who are learning to be defined by the Lord Jesus, we are being convinced that He is trustworthy. Trust is a prevalent theme throughout the Bible, appearing 186 times. Trust is a vital part of our relationship with the Lord, and, to have a healthy relationship with Him, we must be in the habit of proving His Word. Of course, if we are not in His word and we do not know what He has said, we lack the vantage point to know whether He is trustworthy or not.
In v.29-30 of today's passage we read, "29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened."
Some people see the budding fig tree as a picture of nation of Israel becoming a nation again in 1948. I do not see it that way because the Lord Jesus in context has been describing the happenings of the Tribulation period. He was saying that the generation that sees the events of the Tribulation, they will know that the end will be near and the coming of the Lord Jesus to this earth will be very near.
In v.31 of today's passage we read, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Those words were given to undergird our faith in a time when it might appear that the Bible will be wrong and events appear to be going a different route. When it will seem that perhaps the biblical record is just a dream and cannot be trusted, the followers of the Lord Jesus must remember these words: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
His words represent His definition of things, and, His Word will endure for eternity. Sadly, we live in a world full of people who are trying to change the definitions to everything. In this we see the rebellion of man against the definitions of God. And, the sad part about it, man's rebellion will not stand. And, for those who refuse to be defined by God, It is sad.
To illustrate the point, we have learned that for many years, Naval Observatory astronomers “observed” the motion of the earth, in relation to the heavens, to accurately measure time. All clocks in this country were set in relation to these very precise measurements. It was God who made the Master Clock of the Universe! He set the heavens in motion and mankind learned how to use its wonderful accuracy. As marvelous as this Great Clock is, the story does not end here.
To illustrate the point, in the early 2000's, scientists discovered that time can be measure by light. Now, time is measured by counting the number of times mercury ions vibrate in a second. Optical frequencies regularly oscillate at one million-billion times per second. By using lasers and mercury ions, scientists have harnessed the most precise measurement of time. Optical clocks only slip by ONE SECOND EVERY 30 BILLION YEARS it is estimated!
All of this is to say, the God of all of creation has given us a book that we might know Him, to really know Him. His word, the word of God is the most substantive thing in this world. If we do not spend meaningful time in it, we lose out. For it is the word that keeps us from capsizing in a world of torrential waters. We must be diligent to not let anyone or anything turn us aside from spending time in the Word of God searching for God Himself. Investment in the Word of God for ourselves, and investment of the word of God in the souls of people must be our top priority. This is what life is truly all about. Life is not about figuring out the mysteries of prophecy. No, this life is about figuring out the mystery of God.
