For This Cause
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All the Trees Blossom
Luke adds something in his account that makes our faith even stronger. He says,
“Behold the fig tree and all the trees. When they shoot forth, know we that the kingdom
of God is nigh at hand.” (Luke 21:29-31) Notice he adds, “and ALL the trees…when
THEY shoot forth.” If the fig tree pictures Israel, “all the trees” would refer to other
nations. So Luke is telling us that together with Israel putting forth leaves (springing into
life) many other nations would be putting forth leaves – sprouting into existence.
What does history tell us? It ties in exactly with Israel becoming a nation. Up until 1945
the number of independent nations in the world had remained relatively constant. At that
time a total of 70 were in existence. But since the ending of the Second World War in
1945, more than 80 new independent nations have emerged. On the continent of Africa
alone there were only 4 independent nations in 1945. Today there are over 50 and this
number is constantly increasing.
Yes, Israel simultaneously with other nations has put forth leaves! And we are the
generation that has witnessed this striking fulfillment of prophecy. What an
encouragement to us, as we again consider the words of Jesus, “Behold the fig tree and
ALL the trees. When they shoot forth, know ye that the KINGDOM OF GOD IS
NIGH AT HAND.”
Why Does the Trouble Continue
But if the kingdom of God is so near, why all the continued trouble? This, too, is in
fulfillment of prophecy, for just as a contractor must remove an old structure from a
building site before he can build a new skyscraper, so with God.
Listen to the words of Daniel 2:44: “In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven
set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. And that kingdom shall not be left to
other people but it (God’s kingdom) shall break in pieces and consume all these
kingdoms and it will stand forever.”
Again in Haggai 2:7, “For thus saith the Lord of hosts: I will shake ALL NATIONS.”
The nations are certainly being shaken, are they not? But Haggai continues, “and the
desire of ALL nations shall come.” When the nations have been shaken sufficiently that
they are willing to learn the ways of righteousness, God will say, “Peace, be still.”
This is the cause for which Jesus was to give his life, that through his sacrifice the desire
of ALL nations could be accomplished. Through him, the Abrahamic seed, all the
families of the earth would be blessed.