The Parable of the Fig Tree.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer, is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye see gall these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”
So spake Jesus to His disciples, indicating the sign of the near approach of blessing for the Jewish nation. The fig tree is said to be the badge, or figure; of the Jewish nation. And just as the putting forth of the leaves of the fig tree in springtime shows that summer is near; so the return of the Jews to their own land, and the taking place of the things mentioned in this chapter, indicate that the summertime of fruit and blessing is at hand for that nation. When the nation begins to show signs of life after a long and dreary winter when everything seemed dead, the time of blessing is just at the floor. It will be the summer time of millennial glory, when Jesus their Messiah and King shall reign over them, and cause the land to yield of her abundance, and when the people shall be blessed in yielding loyal obedience to their glorious King.
At the present time it is winter for that nation; and a desolate and weary winter it has been—a winter of storms, of sufferings, and sorrows; no leaves are on the trees, and no fruit is in the fields —all is desolation. But it shall not be so always. And even now there are signs that the time of blessing is drawing near. Very soon the Beloved One, though now rejected, despised and unknown, will speak as a bridegroom wooing his bride, and will say:
“Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come, away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10-1310My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 11For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 12The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; 13The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. (Song of Solomon 2:10‑13).)
This will be a wonderful time of blessing for the poor Jews, who will then have their eyes opened to know the truth —to know that Jesus died for their sins, And that. He is the true Messiah, and with glad hearts they will receive Him, and own their guilt in having rejected Him, and pierced Him. He will then reign over them, and fill their land with the glory of heaven. It will be the summertime of heaven’s glory on earth.
But even better things are ours if we now believe on the Son of God. Our dwelling will be amid the glories of heaven rather than of earth.
ML 06/19/1904