Parable of the Fig Tree
Then He told them a parable: ‘Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.’ Luke 21:29-33
The fig tree was one of the seven species of fruit of the land and a symbol of the nation of Israel (Deut 8:8, I Kgs 4:25). Jesus had cursed a fig tree a few days before for having no fruit (Matt 21:19-21) and now he was using it as a sign of what would happen to the nation. In Matthew 23:37-39 Jesus talks about the winter time when Jerusalem will be left desolate and the nation sent into exile. When it began to shoot, it was a sign for the disciples to know that the end-time events, culminating in Jesus’ return, were about to come to pass (Matt 24:32-33). In fact, He says it will be the last generation before the coming of the Lord
Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. (Matt 24:32-35)
From 70 AD to 1967 Jerusalem was trodden underfoot by a series of Gentile nations. We now see the blossoming of the fig tree again in the land and although the physical restoration is not yet complete, it is progressing in stages as the Jewish people return from their long exile in the nations. Following the restoration of the people and the land, will come the spiritual re-birth, which is slowly beginning.
What has all this got to do with the ANZACs and Australia’s destiny?
The Middle Eastern campaign opened the way for future biblical events to unfold. The ANZACs played a significant part in many ways and spear-headed many breakthroughs that prepared the land for the return of the Jewish people and the re-formation of the state of Israel.
See tabs on destiny and significance.
Picture:
1. Early fig – Jill Curry