Scripture to Read: Luke 21:29–33
God then had Luke record this in Luke 21:29–33, “Then He told them a parable: ‘Behold the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.’” Just as the coming of spring is announced by the greening of the trees, Jesus used the fig tree to show that you can tell summer is approaching (Matthew 24:32–35; Mark 11:13; Mark 13:28–31). Similarly, Jesus said that the coming of His kingdom would be preceded by visible signs. But “kingdom” is used in different ways. Verse 31 refers to the future fullness of Christ’s kingdom. If Jesus meant the destruction of Jerusalem, then His reference here would have taken place about 40 years after He spoke these words. That also means that “this generation” would have been used in its ordinary sense of a normal lifespan. “All these things” would have been fulfilled in the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem. But Jesus most likely referred to His second coming; therefore, “this generation” would refer to a future generation alive at the beginning of “all these things.” Either way, we trust His Word, and we know it will never pass away (Hebrews 4:12); therefore, we must live according to it.
Challenge & Application
Knowing God’s Word is everlasting and will not pass away, how seriously are you walking in obedience to it?
How has God challenged you to live wholeheartedly for Him, and what needs to happen for that to take place?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!