26men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, afor the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27Then they will see the Son of Man acoming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because ayour redemption draws near.”
The Parable of the Fig Tree
29aThen He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.
31So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.
33aHeaven and earth will pass away, but My bwords will by no means pass away.
The Importance of Watching
34“But atake heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with1carousing, drunkenness, and bcares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
In verses 7-19, Jesus informs us about the visible signs of world events which signal that the end is near. In verses 20-24, He is still talking about these visible signs, but specifically about those that involve Jerusalem. Verses 25-28 describe the cataclysmic events in the sky and on the earth, heralding His imminent return. Thus, through verse 28, our Savior reveals to us the events presaging His return in the world (verses 7-19), in Jerusalem (verses 20-24), and in the sky and earth (verses 25-28).
This is part of Jesus' Olivet Prophecy, where He predicts conditions before His return—and our redemption is still future!
The conclusion is clear: Sanctification is a process; conversion is a process; and growing and overcoming are a process. We go—proceed—on to perfection, and now we see that redemption is also a process. We do not become completely free of our captivity to Satan and this world in one giant leap. Liberty is produced incrementally, one step at a time. We are indeed the firstfruits of God's great purpose, but we are most assuredly not a finished product—yet. We are under construction, being transformed and brought "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).
