“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. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Mark 13:28-30
Whenever we’re asked a question, or can’t remember something, what do we do? Where do we go? Where do we turn?
Sometimes we’ll sit there and try to remember. Other times we’ll look for help from the outside.
When we’re watching TV, Mary Ann and I play a little game. We’re always looking at the actors and trying to remember where else we’ve seen them. If we can’t remember, I’ll get out my phone and start searching.
The first step is to look up the series and episode from my phone. I then look at the cast to identify the actor playing that character. Sometimes that’s enough to spark our memory. But most times, it’s not.
So, the second step is to search for the actor by name. I usually search on IMDb, Wikipedia, and/or Google. Many times, while I’m still searching, I’ll yell out, “That’s where I’ve seen them” before I start scrolling through their filmography.
But Jesus says that there are built-in reminders all around us. We don’t need a cell phone, internet access, or even Google, to know what’s going on. Jesus says we can more than just predict the future. We can know it.
His example is a fig tree. If you watch it closely, you’ll know when summer is near. You have to be on the lookout for change, and you’ve got to understand what the change means. You can be looking at fig tree for weeks on end. But if you’re not observant, if you don’t notice the change, or if you don’t know what the change means, then all you watching is wasted.
When you’re paying attention, looking for change or signs of upcoming events, you do it for a reason. You don’t just watch a fig tree to say, “Hey, I was watching my fig tree this morning and you’ll never guess what. The twigs are starting to get tender. Isn’t that remarkable?”
No, you watch your fig tree because you’re interested in what it’s trying to tell you. You’re not watching it just to fill up your brain with information. You’re watching your fig tree to act on your observations of change.
When you see that change, you spring into action. You start to prepare and get ready. Or you immediately start doing something.
We do this all the time. Some people look at the news and take action in the stock market. You can look for a stock to hit a certain price before you buy or sell. Some people look at the results from recent games, what’s said on social media, or described on injury reports, and make decisions for the upcoming week.
When we see a change on our skin in the size, shape, or color of a mole, we have a choice. Do we immediately rush to the doctor? Do we watch it for a week? Or do we totally ignore it?
What “twigs get tender” are you looking for? What “leaves come out” are you trying to observe? What things, changes, or signs, are you on the lookout for? What alterations are you anticipating that will lead you into action?
Let me give you a little bit of insight and wisdom here (a little is all I have to give, or that’s all I can spare to lose.)
What we’re looking for, what changes we’re anticipating, tell us a great deal about what we think is important.
No matter what it is, you think it’s important enough to be paying attention. For example:
· What politicians do you follow?
· What social media groups are you a part of?
· What sections of the newspaper do you immediately turn to?
· What emails and texts do you immediately respond to?
Just so you know, Jesus agrees with this.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
Here are four “be” rules of the road of life to follow.
· Be certain your heart is in the right place.
· Be on the lookout for distractions and diversions.
· Be sure you are investing your time, energy, and money correctly.
· Be willing to adjust and change as you become aware.
Learn the lesson. And may your focus and attention draw you closer to worshiping Jesus and serving others.
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