Hanging out with Jesus XXI: Leafy and Tender Branches

Hanging out with Jesus XXI:  Leafy and Tender Branches

Mark 13

Key 13:28-29  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:  So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors . 

In Mark 13, as we hang out with Jesus, he addresses a very important but often-misunderstood subject of the signs, and timing of end times highlighting what believers should do. History is filled with failed predictions of the end times and the second coming of Christ. The details of what to expect has also been shrouded in controversy. As a result, most people no longer take the subject seriously. Mention of the subject generates jokes such as:

This has upset me; I have only just paid off my credit this month - and to think I might have gotten away with it.

If you believe the world is ending, and would like to give away your stuff, I can send you my address. I prefer cash to checks.

That in itself contributing to the sign that Jesus will come at a time when least expected (Mathew 24:44).  While we can laugh let us also remember that a pregnant woman may have many false labor pains but one of the pains will just turn out to be the genuine.

The Bible teaches that the second coming of Christ is a certainty. If one believes all the other promises in the Bible, one has to believe this promise as well. Jesus said no one would know the day or hour. However, fools will ignore the season.  As when the fig tree produced leaves and had tender branches, it indicated it was summer time. Today’s trends and events indicate that the season for the second coming has come. If the Acts 2 outpouring of the Holy Spirit was in last days (Acts 2:17), the present time has to be in the last of the last of the last days.

The period 2014 - 2015 have experienced four blood moons (lunar eclipses). A red moon is associated with end time prophecy. Scriptures such as Joel 2:31 are used as support[1]. Four blood moons on successive years on Jewish holidays as happened in 2014-15 is rare and when it has happened in history significant world events particularly regarding the nation of Israel happened.  Other signs mentioned or implied in the book of Revelations and other prophetic books of the bible include:

·         Events around the nation of Israel. The only nation whose history and future was told in Bible prophecy making it a prophetic clock. By following events about the nation, one can tell the prophetic seasons. The period prophesied in the book of Daniel from his time to Christ has transpired. The period after Christ is for the in gathering of the harvest or the bringing in of people to Christ to form the Church. The duration of this period is unknown. After it will come the last seven years. Half way through this period an abomination of desolation will be committed in the temple in Jerusalem after which will be the great tribulation. There will be more trouble than the world has ever seen before. Many believe the church will be ruptured before the last 3.5yrs. When Christ comes to bring the great tribulation to an end he will usher in the millennium rule which will be followed by the eternal kingdom

·         The rise of the Antichrist to rule a one-world government in the last seven years before Christ’s return. This makes trends in global cooperation such as through the UN and around the millennial goals now replaced by the sustainable development goals, of interest to those who follow Biblical prophecy closely. The same are references to 'a new world order' and technological advances that make such a rule feasible and shared threats such as terrorism, wars, food insufficiency, natural disasters and wide spread economic collapse.

·         The rise of the False Prophet a religious leader of global influence who will collaborate with the Antichrist. Generally, scripture repeatedly warns that false prophets and false christs would increase culminating in this person.

·         An exciting sign of end times is the preaching of the gospel to all nations and the outpouring of God’s Spirit like never before. My favorite.

Jesus responded to a question by his disciples about signs and times regarding the destruction of the temple. In doing so, he went beyond their expectation to talk about his second coming. He warned, encouraged and instructed them on how to live in last days.  He instructed them to be on their guard to look after themselves. He exhorted ‘take heed of yourselves (v9)' by doing three specific things:

>>Keep the truth V5. 

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 

Do not be deceived. The first possible deception is found in v1-2 on Jesus' last departure from the temple.  The way you see and interpret things around you is important.   Perspective is at the heart of deception. The temple in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great was one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was an engineering marvel of the day. So the disciples are understandably impressed and proud of their temple. Jesus however saw what it was and recognized the human ingenuity behind it but saw beyond. He saw its destiny. It would not remain standing for long.

Other deceptions are around who Christ is, his teaching, his works, his messengers and return. Jesus warned believers not to be misled by many who would say, 'I am he'. Some will even perform signs and wonders (v5-6 and 21-27). Today some say Jesus was just a good man, a savior or an example. The truth is he was not a savior but is the savior. They will say they know the date and time of his return. Jesus taught that no one knows the day. Some even claim he has come already.  He will come publicly, loud and  in visible glory not in secret. Always check biblical correctness of a teaching and the character/fruit of the teacher. (Mathew 7:20). They will  be intellectually appealing, politically correct, and emotionally moving but  Do not be deceived.

Deception can also be around what believers should do. In Thessalonians, some stopped working because they were waiting for the second coming. Paul warned them that if they did not work they might as well also stop eating. The truth is you occupy until he comes.  Be wise, be productive but do all to serve him until he comes.

>> Keep the peace

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars , be ye not troubled : for such things must needs be ; but the end shall not be yet .  (v. 23ff)

Jesus said my peace I give to you and the world cannot take it away (John 14:27).  When there is trouble outside your heart, you can still enjoy peace inside.   Trouble doesn’t have to trouble your heart. Trust in the Lord (Psalm 118:8) and know that whatever happens does not change God’s character, sovereignty and his attitude of love towards to you.  It does not alter his finished work on the cross and his covenant. He is  in control even though the number of earthquakes has doubled in ten years. Even though opposition and persecution may continue for some or intensify for those currently spared. Even though there may be arrests and beatings for the faith.  Even though you may be betrayed by family members and hated everywhere. Even though you will hear of wars and rumours of war.

He said do not be troubled because I have for told the things to come and they will not catch you off guard.  Also, do not be troubled because they are birth pangs that will result in the preaching of the gospel to all nations and unprecedented revivals.

>>Keep the expectancy and fervency (V35f.).

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh , at even , or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing , or in the morning:   Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch .

Pay attention to yourself/ how you live (9-22). Don’t slumber but be alert. Keep expecting. Keep looking to the sky in hope. Prepare to meet him. In any case, if he delays coming for his church he will come for each individual when his or her life comes to an end. Stay hopeful. Order priorities to show you know he is coming soon and very soon. Read the signs of the times and understand the seasons just as you can tell summertime by the leafy and tender branches of the fig tree. 

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory  (v. 26, also Revelation 1:7)

You will not know the time. Therefore, watch always.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

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[1] To be valid, the lunar eclipse redness would have to come first since it depends on light from the sun. For the scripture also talks of the sun darkening.