 |
|
The fig tree is recognized by Bible scholars as a symbol of the nation of Israel (see Hosea 9:10, Jeremiah 24 and Joel). Jesus caused a fig tree that had leaves but bore no fruit to wither away in Matthew 21:18-19. This was symbolic of Israel having turned their relationship to God into a lifeless ritual. The bearing of fruit in the Bible represents doing things that glorify God and pay everlasting reward, particularly helping people to receive Christ (John 4:35-36). Israel has not borne any spiritual fruit since they have rejected the grace of God and chosen to remain under the Law. But in the seven years prior to the Lord's return to the earth, 144,000 Jewish witnesses will bear much fruit (Revelation 7:4-14). Israel has returned to the land as prophesied (Isaiah 11:10-12, Ezekiel 37:1-12), so the fig tree of Israel has come out of Winter when no fruit was borne and is now sporting its Spring leaves as a prelude to the fruit it will bear in Summer. Jesus said that the generation seeing these leaves will see His return. How long has it been since Israel became a nation again on May 14, 1948? Be ready for the Lord’s return: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
