Daily Devotional Friday 17th January 2020
by William Moody
Luke 21:29–38
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Watch Yourselves
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
(ESV)
We see here the purpose of the signs Jesus speaks about (v29-31). As the sprouting leaves make it clear that summer is coming, so the false teachers (v8), wars (v9-10), natural signs (v11) and persecution (v12), and heavenly signs (v25-26), make it clear to God’s people, Jesus is about to come in power. This truth is to encourage people that in the midst of darkness, the glorious light of Christ will one day shine.
The word generation (v32) can also mean race. No matter what threats may arise, the people of the world will not be totally wiped out before Jesus returns. How can we be sure? Jesus tells (v33), His word is more secure and certain than the world we see around us.
It is a wonderful encouragement to know that God is in control and on the day of Jesus’ return all will see this.
As we think of Jesus’ return, we therefore should be encouraged to flee from sin (v34-36). Living our lives with thoughts of Jesus’ return is a great aid to holiness. The more heavenly minded we are, the more earthly use we will be to God.
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