Xanthe Hancox

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.  Mark 13:28-33

Just as the fig tree reminds us that summer is coming, so Jesus reminded his disciples (and us) he would come again. The early Church, however, was expecting Jesus to return within their lifetime.

This passage in Mark assured them, and us, that no one knows the specific date of his return. In 2011 Harold Camping predicted Christ’s second coming for 21 May – of course, it didn’t happen. Many, many people have attempted to determine when Christ will return, and they have all been wrong.

The historians tell us that the early saints used to greet one another with these words, "He is risen," and upon parting they would say,"The Lord is coming." By doing this they constantly encouraged one another in the faith and constantly reminded one another of their salvation in Christ and the certainty of his return. When we see the trees around us start to blossom, we’re encouraged because we know that summer is almost here and the cold, dark winter is nearly over. We know that Jesus will come again – so let’s encourage one another today as we look forward to the day when Christ will return and make all things new, just like that fig tree.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the comfort of your everlasting Word. Lord Jesus, thank you that we do not need to wait until some future day to know the glory of your presence, but can experience it during every day we live. Amen.