Luke 21:29-33 | Romans 5:3-5
This is not among those of Jesus’ best known parables. But listen closely to it. It’s good news.
Much of the time, these end times passages tend to be read or discussed with a certain element of fear. In part, this is understandable. But Jesus’ likening of these difficult events - whether then for the disciples listening, now for those alive today, or in the future - to a tree ready to blossom for summer sure doesn’t seem like a parable meant to instill trepidation.
Are you able to think of the sky clearing in the midst of a storm?
Luke 21:29-33
Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
Romans 5:3-5
But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Prayer
God,
Honestly, it can sound kind of cruel - saying that suffering produces something better or looking for silver linings in the midst of the terrifying storm. Sometimes it seems like the wishful thinking of blissful ignorance. Like those people who’ve never really experienced pain.
Even Jesus seemed to actually experience pain in his trial and suffering.
So what do you really expect from us in the midst of trial and suffering?
I’m trying.
So help me, God:
Give me fortitude to have greater vision, a better capacity that sees beyond the present, even as much as it may hurt in the moment. I know I’m part of a generation that goes to great lengths to escape pain. Maybe this makes pain worse. Actually, it’s one of the things we’re really good at. Making things - including pain - dull. I guess I don’t really know. But I do know that I don’t like pain, for myself or for others.
So give me that greater vision, greater hope, and perseverance.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
A good word. Amen.