Back in His day, Jesus spoke to us – we who are now living in these end times, saying,
Luke 21:28
28 Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”
And Jesus’ brother James warned us also:
James 5:7- 8
7 So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains.
8 You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near.
The word of the Lord for these days is: wait patiently, keep your heart “energized and firmly committed to God”. Don’t cower and worry because of the fearful events around us. Keep your head high with the joy of the Lord, “firmly committed to God”. The reason we can choose to live this way? “Because the coming of the Lord is near.” God is in control of the events of these end times.
“Take heed, keep on the alert;
for you do not know when
the appointed time will come.
– Mark 13:33
The completion of the prophecy in the Parable of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-36) happened in 1948. It was the greatest prophetic fulfillment of all time! Jesus predicted the event that transpired in 1948. The Jews, after over 1900 years of wandering the earth without a nation of it’s own, gathered to form Israel once again. What a total miracle of God!
This fulfillment of this prophecy started a count-down, also predicted by Jesus. He said that “this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place” (Luke 21:33). WE are in that period of time.
The Parable of the fig tree
Luke 21
29 Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put out leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is near. 31 So you too, when you see these things happening, know [without any doubt] that the kingdom of God is near.
32 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place [d – I.e. the establishment of God’s kingdom]. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
34 “But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.
36 But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”
Interpreting the Parable
Throughout the Old Testament the “fig tree” usually referred to the nation of Israel. 1
Jesus had already predicted the demolishment of Israel, 2 and here in Luke He is saying that when Israel (the fig tree) once again shows life (with the new leaves) then know “summer is nigh”, i.e. know that the end time events are right around the corner.
When Israel once again became a nation, in 1948, it “put out leaves”. So, Jesus says, when that happens (and it did in 1948) — then “know [without any doubt] that the kingdom of God is near”.
31 So you too, when you see these things happening, know [without any doubt] that the kingdom of God is near.
The phrase “Kingdom of God is near” refers here to the return of Jesus, the Messiah – coming back “in glory and power” to set up His Kingdom.
See to it, Jesus warned us. Make sure that “that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.”
That Second Coming of the Messiah will come “in glory and power” – and will catch everyone “like a trap” without warning. The Rapture is not for everyone. Only believers get snatched up.
This particular Return of Christ however will be a trap that “will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.” Be ready for the Rapture (which comes before “The Second Coming”). Don’t be left behind – or you too will be caught in this trap!
This fantastic story of God
Now let’s leave Luke 21 and see the rest of His story. (Man calls it “history” but I pronounce it: HIS story).
Jesus Christ was originally present on earth as Creator God and He walked and talked with Adam and Eve. At this beginning of “time”, He was here as Creator of the universe, and is called “the Word” in John 1.
The Bible then refers to three times Jesus will return as Messiah (after His creation period). The “returns” of Jesus are: (1) as a baby in Bethlehem, (2) at the Rapture, and finally – (3) in glory with power.
Remember there are actually three “returns of Christ”. Look at this with a Chronological View of history.
Source: Jesus Returns to Earth Twice in the End Times
“Starting with His birth as baby Jesus, born to Mary and Joseph, there are three biblical references to Jesus coming to earth – “in the name of Jesus” (as Christ, the Messiah)”.
There are only three instances of being here “in the name of Jesus the Messiah”, starting with His miraculous birth as baby Jesus, in a manger, in poverty. We can look at this as 3 times Jesus returns to earth:
-
- First: When He came into the world as Baby Jesus – He died and rose again for the forgiveness of our sins: Luke 2; John 3:16; Luke 23; Luke 24.
- Second: When He comes to Rapture us in the air – so we escape His wrath in the Great Tribulation: 2 Thessalonians 2;verse 2: “…the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet Him.”
- Third: When He Comes in all His glory and power with all His angels to Judge the world – [at the end of] the Great Tribulation: Matthew 25:verses 31-46.
Now let’s get back to Jesus’ account in Luke 21. Read again verses 34-36:
34 “But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.
36 But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”
If we are “on guard” (forewarned; heeding His forewarning) then we will escape this particular return which “will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth“. It will not be “like a trap” for us, because we will escape it before it happens.
If we are “found worthy…” then we will escape from earth before “the trap” hits all of earth. In what is often called The Rapture, those who are “worthy” will be taken off the earth. If we are saved and we know it, and are looking for His return, THEN, we are worthy, and He will snatch us out, Rapture us off the planet. We are to wait patiently for Him to rescue us “from the wrath to come”.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 “and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”
That is why He said “…your redemption is drawing near“.
Read more in detail:
Ready for the Rapture? and
Virgins, Talents, and Judgement and
First, Apostasy, then Antichrist, then the Rapture and
A swift barrage of shattering events will unfold after the Rapture – coming soon.
The Trapping Return of Christ
While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment – unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord]. – 1 Thessalonians 5:3
I like to call this last return of Christ (after the Rapture), The Trapping Return of Christ. This is when He comes in crushing power at Armageddon. It will be worldwide in scope (Revelation 3:10). All will see Him. All peoples will be trapped, judged, and sent to their place. 3 And Jesus will setup His new Kingdom on earth.
He promised we will never face His wrath.
Because of this promise (1 Thessalonians 1:10) our hope in these days, is “the great escape”, as I like to call it. Jesus said this will happen. Jesus said that prior to His “Trapping Return”, He will Return to rapture us out – “to escape all these things that are going to take place“. Is that your hope? If not – why on earth not?!
Accept Christ as Savior now, before it’s too late, like it was too late for the virgins – standing befuddled, knocking anxiously at the door – but their oil had run out (Matthew 25). Jesus alone is our hope, our friend. He alone is able to save us for all eternity.
Believers: Keep your heart energized
“…be patient; strengthen your hearts
[keep them energized
and firmly committed to God],
because
the coming of the Lord
is near.”
James 5:…8
FOR MORE:
– Luke 21
How then should we live now… believing the Rapture is just around the corner?
Being wise in a very unwise world during these End Times
Why suckling with the mother cat does not make the piglet a kitten
Growing into our natural new life in Christ
Follow Messiah (OneForIsrael.org video series)
Jesus can save your soul for all eternity
Footnotes
-
The Budding of the Fig Tree | Alf & Julie Saunders; 15th December, 2010
Figs: A Symbol Throughout Jewish History | Yoni Schwartzman of The Israel Bible
Figs: The Biblical King of Trees
The Fig Tree Sign and Israel’s Rebirth | June 2, 2017
Clarence Larkin :: Chapter 29. The Trees to Which Israel Is Compared In Scriptures | from Blue Letter Bible.
- Matthew 24: verses 1-3. This prediction of Jesus (that the Temple would be totally razed) was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD. But it did not fulfill the rest of Jesus’ prophecy. For more details read about the erroneous belief of the Preterists about this event: Note to Preterists – Jesus did not return in 70AD. He is coming soon!
Excerpt:
“Preterism is a false claim by self-inspired teachers, a total falsehood (as warned about in Ezekiel 13:1-9). A quick read through the New Testament shows we are urged to “look up” and be ready for the imminent return of Christ. I’d sooner heed those – than listen to a half-baked idea which contradicts Jesus. Are you ready to be snatched up by God?. - There is a place
When this life is over
and we’ve lived it all for self
we’ll have nothing in eternity
but self and self that’s allno good
no joy
no love
no pleasantness againFor God is good
God is joy
God is love
God is why pleasantness existsIf all we have is self
and nothing good from God
If all we have is what we generate
and what’s from God is goneIf God gives all that’s good in life
and now He’s gone for good
What misery we’ll have
and nowhere else to goThere is a place assigned to go
where nowhere else exists but thereIt’s far from
where God’s blessings flow
it’s bad and worse
no good at all.
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