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32 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. ~ Matthew 24:32-35
Today, we continue our study of Matthew 24 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 when the end comes.
In v.32 of today's passage we read, "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near."
Once again the Lord Jesus utilized a parable to help His disciples understand His teaching. A parable is an allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach a truth, often making use of concrete objects as the symbolic representation of an abstract meaning. Parables confirm whether we are true seekers of the truth or not. Through the parable of the fig tree the Lord Jesus reminded His disciples that before the fig tree produces its leaves it swells with sap in its trunk and its branches produce leaves. That is when we know that Summer is near. In like manner, those on the earth during the Tribulation will be able to know when the end will come by the unusual events that will take place at that time.
In v.33-34 of today's passage we read, "33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place."
"These things" here refer to those unusual events that will happen during the Tribulation. "This generation" refers to those who will be living on the earth at that time who will witness these events. When the sun will darken, when the moon loses its light, when the stars fall from the sky, the end will be eminent. These will be the signs of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus to this earth when His feet will touch the Mount of Olives.
Now, the Rapture of the Church is different than the Second Coming of Christ. The Rapture is described in 1 Corinthians 15, John 14, and 1 Thessalonians 4, among other passages. And in each case it is the Church taken out of the world, and taken to heaven. The Lord Jesus doesn't come to earth. In addition, there is no mention of the judgment of God upon sinful man in the passages describing the Rapture. The Lord Jesus will come in the clouds and believers on the earth at that time will be taken to heaven to be with the Lord. This is why the Lord Jesus said what He did in Revelation 3:10 which reads, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth."
In v.35 of today's passage we read, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
The purpose of God's Word has aways been to undergird the faith of His people. During that time at the end when it might appear that the Bible will be proven wrong and events appear to be going in a different direction, God will fulfill His Word. It has always been the case that when it seems that God's Word is not true and cannot be trusted, it ends up being true and trustworthy. God's 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 of everything. In this we see the continued rebellion of man against the definitions of God.
For many years Naval astronomers have observed the motion of the earth, in relation to the heavens, to accurately measure time. All clocks in the world have been set in relation to these very meticulous 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.
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!
The God of all of creation has given us a book that we might know Him, to really know Him. His word, the Bible is the most substantive resource in this world. If we do not spend meaningful time in it, we lose. It is God's 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 must be our top priority. Life is not about figuring out the mysteries of prophecy. No, this life is about figuring out the mystery of God.
By nature God demands that man be perfect, but no man is perfect. Enter the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In it, we learn that God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to be perfect on our behalf. Through Christ it is possible for sinful man to be forgiven by God. Through God's forgiveness He now grants the believer a personal relationship with Himself. This message hinges upon the veracity of God's Word. And, just as sure as Summer follows Spring, the Word of the Lord will come to pass. For us who are learning to be defined by the God of the Bible, we are being convinced that He is trustworthy. Trust is most important throughout the Bible, appearing 186 times. And, our trust in Him is the natural outflow of our faith in the God of the Bible.
