32 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Jesus’ Words here bring to mind the Prophet Isaiah’s on the sureness and certainty of God’s Word which never fails, enduring forever:
8 “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)
The Word of Christ is more lasting and sure than the heavens and the earth. In God’s time and in God’s way – every Word will be fulfilled - perfectly. The uncertainty of the exact time of Christ’s coming should make us more watchful, expectant and prepared not carelessly wasting our lives merely delving into the satiety of the world and the flesh.
“The way to disengage the heart from the love of one object is to fasten it in positive love to another. It is not by exposing the worthlessness of the former, but by addressing the worth and excellence of the latter that all old things are to be done away and all things are to become new. The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one. Thomas Chalmers
“If you keep in step with God, be out of step with the world.” Anonymous
Christ’s Words are pure and sure. He tells us earlier in Matthew that He came to fulfill all the Law. He fulfilled it by obeying it perfectly as well as fulfilled the prophets’ predictions of the coming Messiah and His kingdom therefore what remains predicted to come is a surety:
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matt 5:17-18 (NIV)
In our verses for today, Jesus begins to apply what He had been teaching by giving us a heads up to discerning our times. Our Lord states practical applications of His previous predictions – we must both expect and prepare for the events He has foretold. Just as we can be certain that summer is not far away when the leaves come forth on the trees and its twigs become tender so also we can be assured that when we see all these desolations fast approaching – His coming is not far off. Indeed, judgment is right at our door. In view of this certain hope of Christ’s soon return believers are to ready themselves. James warns us:
“The Judge is standing at the door!” James 5:9 (NIV)
Peter adds his words as well regarding Christ’s coming return in an effort to stimulate us towards wholesome thinking and holy living:
3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2 Peter 3:3-13 (NIV)
“God has given us a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends.” Jeremy Taylor
“Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity.” Charles H. Spurgeon