Luke 21:29-33
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
In other places I’ve lived it was very common for people to have fruit trees in their yards. It was very convenient for people to walk into their backyard and grab fresh lemons, oranges, apples, or avocados. But the trees didn’t bear fruit year-round. You always had to wait until the time was just right. As spring gave way to summer the signs of things to come were all around. You could see the leaves starting to open more fully. You could see the buds the would soon become fruit. It was a patient excitement, but an excitement, nonetheless.
When Jesus is pointing out the tree in the parable, he is encouraging his disciples to recognize the truth that is opening before them. Jesus is bringing the kingdom of God to the people of Earth. Jesus is doing all the work that had been prophesied in the Hebrew Scripture.
God is doing work all around us. Some of it is to the benefit of everyone. Some of it is to benefit you specifically. And some of it is a call for you to be a benefit to someone else. When we just keep our heads down and focus on our own things we can miss all the amazing things that God is doing in the world and trying to do in and through us.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the world unfolding as we head into the new seasons of life.