Jesus said that the generation hearing his words would be alive in 35 years when Jerusalem fell. Part of that prediction also inferred that a future generation would survive to his second coming. Five times in our Scriptures Jesus said no one would know the exact time of his return to earth. This is the reason why predictors and founders of cults based on the end of the world are automatically untrue.
However, because of the parable of the fig tree he did say we could know the season, shall we say the summer of his return. The fig tree normally presents its fruit before it presents its leaves. Therefore, the fig tree with leaves is making a false declaration of fruitfulness when in fact like the Pharisees it is hypocritical and not acceptable.
It is wise of us to ask, “How are we to live while we watch and wait for his return?” We do know that there is a contrast and a comparison with his return and the times of Noah. His coming would be like a new governor coming to take his seat of authority. It is reasonable for Jesus to expect us to watch eagerly and joyously for him. Yet, there is much to do in preparation for his coming to earth.
For instance, there is the parable of the evil servant in Matthew 24. His actions came from what he harbored in his heart. The consequences of his actions were a direct result of what was lingering within him.
Then there is the parable of the wedding. The five unwise virgins who did not take enough oil for their lanterns remind us that there are certain things we cannot do at the last minute when we face Christ. Likewise, there are certain things we cannot borrow such as the righteousness of other people expecting that to also ingratiate us to God.
We also have the parable of the talents. The master gave a certain amount of money to each of his servants, expecting them to use that as an investment which would bring profit to the master. No doubt the summary of this is that we do, as Christians, have a responsibility for Kingdom growth. We are obligated to God to try, to take risks against the world in favor of winning other people to Christ.
Jesus challenged us with the parable of the needy. All around us are people who lack some of the basics of life, yet they are ignored by most others. In this case, the loyal believer has no expectation to gain a return for the help that he offers. Whatever we present to the world whether it be help or lack of help reflects back to Jesus. If we profess to have a relationship with Jesus, the world expects us to reflect the character, actions, and attitude of Jesus.
We cannot know when Jesus will return to earth. That is the business between him and the Heavenly Father. But we can know as we lead up to that time that as consecrated followers of Christ, our delight is in the very thought of his return which is more joyous than any other gain we may receive in the world’s business. We have before us the constant reminder that what we maintain in secret parts of our lives has consequences. We learn by looking toward the coming of Christ, that we must be prepared in spirit and thought. Jesus does not expect us to be righteous pew warmers. He expects us to live such a life that there is benefit to the kingdom. In our longing for the coming of Christ, we are his representatives to every single person we meet whether they be needy or not. Certainly, the greatest need is for each individual to accept Jesus as Savior. We might ask those of the world if they are ready to meet Jesus, but we should ask ourselves the same question if we have benefited from his crucifixion and have done nothing else in appreciation.
Christian Writer 