Aches and Praise Five Hundred & Twelve

Posted on 2021-07-02 in English |

July 2, 2021
 
 

Dear friends,

                                                                                                                                                                       
Now that we are in the second half of this year, I am reminded of how I am in the second half of my life. There is a greater urgency to finish projects and get things done that need to be done than when I was younger. Before I learned the meaning of the word “procrastination,” I would demonstrate it by putting off completing assignments in school and at home. Playing soccer in high school helped prepare me for my future sprints to catch the train. I sometimes jumped on board, when I was later than I should have been.
 

In a Bible study on Zoom last night, we looked at the parable of the fig tree. A few years ago, we planted an apple tree in our front yard and I enjoy watering it and inspecting it, counting the number of apples. In the Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), nearly forty parables are recorded. Interestingly, John did not record a single parable. It is helpful to read all the accounts of a parable, as different details are given that impact our understanding of Jesus’ teaching. Matthew (in chapter 24) and Mark (in chapter 13) recorded Jesus’ words about knowing that summer is near when the branch of the fig tree becomes tender and puts forth leaves. Luke also recorded this observation, along with a phrase that is not found in the other gospels: “and all the trees” (21:29). The late Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe wrote about this: “…suggesting that more than one nation is involved. Perhaps Jesus was saying that the rise of nationalism around the world is the thing to watch. In recent years we have certainly seen the growth of nationalism and the emerging of new nations, and this may be a ‘sign’ that the coming of the Lord is near.”

The three Gospel writers record Jesus’ words that “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” Dr. John A. Martin, writing in “The Bible Knowledge Commentary,” explains that this clause has caused much controversy: “Some think Jesus was telling His disciples that their generation would see the destruction of the temple. That interpretation stems primarily from verses 5-7 in which the discussion pertained to the temple’s destruction. However, because of verse 31 (in which Jesus spoke of the coming of the kingdom of God), and because of Matthew 24:34, it seems preferable to say His words refer to the generation living at the time of the cosmological events that will just precede His second coming.” Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, there has been growing speculation that the Lord Jesus will return soon.

Dr. Wiersbe observes: “The Greek word translated ‘generation’ can also mean ‘race’ and could refer to the people of Israel. Jesus used it that way in Mark 8:12, 38; 9:19. Jesus was assuring the disciples that, in spite of all the difficulties Israel would endure, the nation would be protected by God and not be destroyed. Satan has wanted to destroy the nation of Israel, but he will not succeed.” Previous generations saw the brutal killing of millions of Jews, as well as Christians, in wars and persecutions. The Bible records what will take place in the future, including the destruction of more people than ever before. Jesus declared: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Luke 21:33). Let’s determine to study the Word of God and ask Him to guide us in all that we think, say, and do.

Scripture for the weekend: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)

Thought for the weekend: “I’m not looking for signs, I’m listening for a sound.” – Vance Havner (quoted in “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary,” written by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe and published by David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO)

 

By His grace,
 

Steve

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