Jesus prophesied two events we must be prepared for. The first is
tribulation and the other is His second coming. We certainly see great
tribulation in this day and age — war, disease, poverty, famine, etc.
Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach his disciples an important
lesson about reading the “signs of the times”. The fig tree was a
common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice
a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The signs of spring are
evident for all who can see. Just so are the signs of God’s kingdom
and his coming in judgment.

We do not know when the Lord will return again. But the Lord does give
us signs, not only to wake us up as a warning, but also to rouse our
spirits to be ready and eager to see his kingdom come in all its power
and glory. The Lord wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for
his coming. He comes to us each day and knocks on the doors of our
hearts.

Do we recognize the signs of the times? Do we pray for God’s kingdom
to be fully revealed? Lord Jesus Christ, you are the beginning and the
end of all creation. Rouse our spirit to seek your kingdom first in
all that we do. Amen.