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Mark 13
I have a loosely connected thought for this passage this morning. Jesus’ comments about the fig tree signaling the coming of summer triggered something I was thinking about the other day. The Bible tells us that even creation tells us about God. So I was thinking how even the four seasons give us a picture of God’s redemption plan. After the fall comes the death and desolation of winter, however spring brings new life that blossoms into the abundance of summer. Jesus is our spring; He leads us into the abundance of eternal life with God.
Jesus does indeed equate the coming of summer in this passage to His return in power and glory. “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it (or He) is right at the door.” (Mark 13:29). This is one of Jesus’ many ‘these things” statements in this chapter, and it is very difficult – perhaps by design – to know which “things” He is referencing with each statement. Thus, it is unclear which particular things signal His coming in power. One thought I had, though, is the symbolism of Israel in the fig tree. So the thought is that when we see the hearts of God’s people getting tender and turning back toward Him as a nation, we are approaching the end of this age of the Gentiles. I have no idea if that’s what He meant, but the thought seems to fit.
Jer. 49-50
Jeremiah’s prophecies against the nations culminate in a long prophecy against Babylon, the reigning world power that was conquering everyone. What is God’s judgment of Babylon? What does this tell you about God? Though I don’t fully understand it all, I know that Babylon represents more than just another nation. Judah’s time in Babylon somehow equates to our time on this earth. God will one day redeem His people from this exile, even as He restored His people from Babylon. It is then that we will see the beautiful promise, nestled in among the judgments against Babylon, come to pass for all of His remnant. “’In those days, at that time,’ declares the LORD, ‘search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare.’” (Jer. 50:20).