29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
“As in the kingdom of nature there is a chain of causes, so in the kingdom of providence there is a consequence of one event on another. When we see the ruin of persecuting powers hastening on, we may infer from this that the kingdom of God is near.” Matthew Henry
The Bible often addresses our need for readiness and preparation –warning us, so to speak, so as to not be caught unaware. Just as John the Baptist proclaimed repentance in preparation prior to the first coming of Jesus, we too should be reminded of his words in regard to His second advent:
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matt 3:1-2 (NIV)
Peter advises us in the following way:
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)
We are to have hope and to be holy in anticipation of Jesus’ sure return. This demands preparation and determination on our part – a tough minded holiness that is ready for action.
“It is easy for us to imagine that we will suddenly come to a point in our lives where we are fully prepared, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished. In fact, it is a process that must be steadily maintained. It is dangerous to become settled and complacent in our present level of experience. The Christian life requires preparation and more preparation.” Oswald Chambers
I am reminded of Daniel’s firm resolve not to defile himself when placed in the midst of a pagan culture as a teenager. Scripture tells us:
8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Dan 1:8 (NIV)
For Daniel’s decision to choose obedience regarding the food requirement’s of the Mosaic Law in lieu of the luxurious portions of food and wine offered him from the king’s table we are told:
15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. Dan 1:15 (NIV)
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. Dan 1:17-19 (NIV)
We are to allow the Word of God to examine our hearts closely, permitting the Holy Spirit to convict and lead us into standing firm “in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12). Just as surely there are consequences to sin, there are blessings in obedience.
“The speediest and easiest method to accomplish our desire of overcoming the evil, and doing the good, is an immediate compliance with our first convictions, without conferring with flesh and blood. If we delay the work, we give room to other people without, and to Satan and to our sinful hearts from within, to persuade us to the contrary: by which the flesh can easily renew its strength, and the spirit will be weakened. And what will be the consequences of this, but that either we miscarry in our design, or that the conflict will be afterwards so much sharper; and the good work if not stifled, dropped entirely? Yet, if it be done, it will not be done so completely, and with such singleness of heart as it should be. But if we narrowly watch our hearts, and directly engage with every the least opposition when it stirs, then our enemies will not be so strong and we shall have no reason to despair.” K. H. Von Bogatzky