Jesus’ return; no date, but a window

Matthew 24 records a statement the Lord made that gave those listening all the information He was privy to; “THIS generation will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled.”(Matthew 24:34)  What things did He speak of that would be fulfilled in a single generation?  The time frame is set 2 verses earlier with the parable of the fig tree.

     “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender & putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:”(Matthew 24:32)

Israel is symbolized in scripture by a vine, an olive tree & a fig tree.  It is sometimes mentioned as him (as above), hearkening back to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.  When the fig tree is used, it refers to Israel as a national entity.  We are all aware that the nation was only a memory until being re-established in 1948.

As any deciduous tree that sheds its leaves for the winter, the fig tree shows no sign of life until it begins to bud & put forth leaves.  It looks like it is dead until that time.  Israel as a nation showed signs of life immediately after the U.N. resolution was passed that reconstituted it.  Life grows, multiplies & fights for survival in particular.  Israel came under attack less than 24 hours after the resolution creating it was passed.

The generation that will not pass away until all these things are fulfilled turned 70 this year.  It has become elderly!  If you believe God’s word, we are near the end of the window of time Jesus described to His disciples.  “All these things” includes a visitation “like lightning” in which “one is taken & the other left” (commonly called the rapture) & the sign of the Son of man returning in the clouds with power & great glory.  This generation must see all of it, or Jesus of Nazareth was a liar!  Since nothing else He said was a lie — He even rose from the dead as He promised — we had better prepare to meet Him!