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THE FIG TREE
“From the fig
tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and
puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also,
when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the
very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will
pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
One of my favorite toys as a kid was the
Magic 8-Ball. You could ask it any question and then flip it
over to reveal the answer. It was amazing! Somehow, the Magic
8-Ball knew the answers to questions about gifts, vacations,
punishments, who liked who and whatever else the future might
hold. When asked, “Will I get a bike for my birthday?” the
answer came, “Almost certainly.” Wow!
Wouldn’t it be nice if real life were so
simple? Humans are preoccupied with knowing what’s around the
bend. We read horoscopes, tear into fortune cookies, participate
in DNA testing, and spend hours watching weather channels hoping
to get a glimpse of what’s ahead.
The disciples wanted to know the future,
too. They were concerned with Jesus’ talk about the end of the
age when the Son of Man will return – when Jesus will come
again. When will this be? When will pain and suffering end? When
will you come, Jesus, and make things right? He told them to pay
attention to the signs around them, pointing to the cycle of the
fig tree for clues; tender branches and leaves tell when summer
is coming.
God’s promises are not as random as the
Magic 8-Ball. There are signs all around us. God is here and
will stay here, even as Jesus promises to come again. There will
continue to be wars and suffering, mourning and sorrow, but not
forever. There will be a day when Jesus returns and brings a new
era. We can look forward with hope now, as if something is
already beginning to blossom and emerge – something beautiful
that signals God’s never ending presence with us. The hints are
everywhere.
Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am
tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the
light, take my hand
precious Lord, lead me home. (George N. Allen)
The Rev. Lowell Michelson
Senior Pastor
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