"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Matthew 24:32-34).

Israel is here portrayed as a fig tree. I believe the fig tree was withered up (Matthew 21:18-20) because it bore no spiritual fruit in the days of Christ. When the disciples asked Christ what would be a sign of the end of the age, and when would these things all be fulfilled, He indicated the sign would be when they saw the tree that was withered, restored to health again. Notice Christ didn't say the tree would be bearing fruit, but rather that its branches would be young and tender. Therefore, Israel would be a national and political reality, but not necessarily responding to Christ spiritually. Wouldn't you say the nation born in 1948 was a young and tender nation? Haven't we seen Israel, just like a withered and barren fig tree, come back to life in full bloom? This fig tree has been restored to the land. Crops are growing in the desert. Birds are flying in the valley prepared for battle. Cities have been rebuilt. Israel has a great army. It has become a nation. It has become united as one nation. Its enemies are identified and poised, and now Israel even stands ready to sacrifice! All of these are direct fulfillments of what the Bible said would take place with Israel in the latter days….

You and I are among the people alive today who have seen the barren fig tree come to life. We have seen Israel replanted as a nation. We have seen the Bible's great prophecies fulfilled. If there is ever a people who should be aware that we are living in the last days, it should be us. What better time than now to repent and turn from our sin and to receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour. His blood alone is sufficient to take away our sin. It is through no work which we can do. It isn't even enough to pray. The Bible simply says we should believe in Him.

To those who believe in Him…God has promised He would give them eternal life. John 3:36 says, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Place your trust in Christ right now.

—Rob Lindsted, Ph.D., excerpted from "Can You Really Know Your Future?" Copyright by Bible Truth, PO Box 8550. Wichita, KS 67208. Used by permission.