by Jon R. Welker

“Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matthew 24:34

Notice verse 32. Recently I have been pondering it:

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”

Like many people, I’ve tended to combine the “branch being tender” and “putting forth the leaves” into one concept. But when we analyze that Scripture and consider some other translations, we see some differences. For example, “when its tender shoots appear and are breaking into leaf” (The New English Bible). I realized then that I had not scrutinized this Scripture enough, and in the process of the “branch being tender” versus it actually “putting forth leaves,” God’s Word is very precise in trying to convey to us specific information. Another translation says, “Let the fig tree teach you a parable” (Moffatt). Of course, the King James renders it, “Now learn a parable....” So, this Scripture is given for teaching and instruction. When the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, He responded:

“And when He was alone, they that were about Him with the twelve asked of Him the parable. And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” Mark 4:10-12

Those who were without, and those that were not in the kingdom, those who were not pursuing the things of God would not understand. But for those who are, it is given to understand the things of the kingdom, and these things are not all in parables to them.

Therefore, we know that a parable is for the mind that doesn’t want to understand, or is not seeking and pursuing truth. The parable is used to veil, as it were, the message from such people. But the true seeker, is to seek and keep on seeking, ask and keep on asking, knock and keep on knocking (Lk. 11:9-10). Even for such, they need to be pursuing the things of the kingdom, to be seeking! And if you seek and search with all your heart you will find the true meaning (Jer. 29:13).

In such a way, then, let’s search for more revealing of truth in this Scripture. I’m not saying this is the last word on it, and I’m not saying that this is any “great revelation” that anybody else may not have been given. What I want to do is to cause you to think about the difference between the fig tree “being tender” and its “putting forth leaves.”

Now, the fig tree symbolizes the nation of Israel.

“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time....” Hosea 9:10

Israel is consistently in the news, and especially within the last year or so.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” Zechariah 12:2-3

Let us closely consider when the fig tree nation of Israel was yet tender, the branch yet being tender, versus it shooting forth its leaves.Many Christians have put thought into when the fig tree puts forth its leaves and the concept that...

“This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matthew 24:34

Therefore a controversy has developed over how long is a generation. In Scripture, a generation is often considered to be about 40 years. But obviously there are years that have come and gone since modern Israel’s 40th anniversary in 1988. But now reconsider that Scripture and the fig tree being the nation of Israel. Its branch becoming tender was at the time of it reestablishing itself as a nation in 1948, i.e., the branch became tender, ready to bring forth the leaves! And so, that was 1948, as far as the branch becoming tender. But as far as it putting forth leaves, that would have been at a different time.

I don’t wish to add to the controversy, but when we consider the present turmoil surrounding Jerusalem and Israel, we can’t help but see striking parallels with Scriptures which speak of Jerusalem becoming a cup of trembling and all nations gathering together against it (Zech. 12:2-3). Therefore, it was important for Jerusalem to be under Israeli control. And that did not fully happen until 1967, when that City became united under the control of the nation of Israel. Then could we say that Israel as a nation, with Jerusalem as its Capitol, put forth leaves!

If we were to pursue that concept, what do we have? – 1967 plus 40 would be 2007. But the Scripture says, “Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” If we then consider the 3 1/2 years, the 42 months, or the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation, we would have 2002 to 2003. It says “...all these things be fulfilled,” which refers back to what things will be fulfilled. I would like to bring that to your attention. Remember that I’ve always tried to say we’re to be watchmen; we’re to be watchful, for that is what Jesus said, “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mk. 13:37).

This idea of learning or being taught a lesson or a parable by the fig tree is important. Then the Scripture we are considering continues: “...When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves....” Remember that the Lord Jesus made these statements during His famous discourse in response to His disciples asking:

“...When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world [age]?” Matthew 24:3

I don’t believe that He gave any unnecessary information; the fig tree comments are in the form of a parable. A little later He followed up with the parable of the 10 Virgins. Jesus elsewhere explained that parables are understood by those who are pursuing the things of God (Mk. 4:10-12; Matt. 13:11-13).

Then we are told:

“...Ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:32-33

Other translations state: “the end is near” (The New English Bible), or “at the very gates” (RSV), or “right at your door” (Williams). “So likewise,” or just in the same way, when you know that summer’s near, you can know that end is near when you see this (the fig tree event) happening.

Again I state: we are to watch! As I recently declared in the article in “Shaking of All Things” in the Spring 2002 issue of the Shepherdsfield Update, nowhere are we told that we’re not to share what we see when we are watching (The Shaking of All Things is available in our Bookstore). Therefore, we are to declare what we see when we are watching. We could go a little deeper into the idea of the fig tree putting forth its leaves. Israel has branched and then it came forth into leaf – the idea of Jerusalem, its crowning glory, being captured. The leaves finally make a tree beautiful as it comes unto some sort of fullness. The idea of coming into its own having established itself, and then in possession of its ancient capitol in 1967, parallels a tree putting forth its leaves....

People ask me what I think is happening in present world events, i.e., “What’s going on?” To answer them I often I go back to the idea of the woman in labor. There needs to be a preparing for an opening big enough for the birth of the child. In like manner, the various events we see fulfilling rapidly are preparing for the man-child birth (Rev. 12:5,13). Even the proposed new Department of Homeland Security wherein intelligence information can be channeled into a head or a chief, though understandable, will in the long run prepare for more control of the masses of people. But as long as America’s money is flowing, and people are being able to take their vacations, etc., they don’t get concerned over such things. It’s only when it’s finally too late that they will realize what the cost has been.

The various alignment of nations, the European Union, events in Israel, Southeast Asia, etc., all of these things are working together like the spasms, or contractions before the birth. Jesus referred to these kinds of things happening when saying, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree...” (Matt. 24:32). As already shown, the fig tree is the nation of Israel (Hos. 9:10). “When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves” references two different processes.

Here I would like to express a concern that I have wherein people, who have been aroused by something that takes place which seems to indicate the fulfillment of end-time prophecies, not very long thereafter, when things settle down and the world goes back into its rut, become apathetic. It’s as if nothing really changed. I had a similar concern after the events of September 11. Think of it – it hasn’t even been a year yet! At the time, that tragic event had a tremendous impact upon the world and upon this country. It was a shock, and the events surrounding it threatened the safety and security that Americans have long enjoyed. We have also seen the present events regarding Israel, the new intifada and growing terrorists’ threats and suicide (homicide) bombings.

Many people at the time of the Gulf War were excited and concerned, but then lost interest. I still believe that those things help set the stage for many of the present terrorists and extremists and their acts. Saddam Hussein is still seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction. Nothing has really changed. But what does happen is that many people tend to let build within themselves a cynical mind-set, or at least a skeptical mind-set. And it’s hard to break through that without resorting to extreme methods in an effort to wake people up, or to shock them. There is a temptation to get into controversial or questionable pieces of information, which I think some Christian ministries, tend to do in order to try and keep people on the edge of their seat.

I, too, run that risk because it’s difficult to keep people watching over the long haul. As we see these things happening, what should we be doing, and how should we be pacing ourselves, as it were? There is a general public awareness of end-time prophecies because of the many movies, such as Left Behind, ARMAGEDDON, Omega Code, etc. But even that builds a certain amount of skepticism within the masses, because they are given a “Hollywood” version of such prophecies. People don’t really believe it because they know it’s like a fairy tale, or like watching Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Spiderman.... People know that that’s not real. My concern about such movies and books is that even though I realize God can use them, yet as far as changing a person’s life or really making them think, I don’t think those creations of the entertainment industry do that. It’s almost like waiting for the next movie. Earlier this spring it was Spiderman, and then people waited to see the new Star Wars. People can get into that same kind of mentality with reference to God’s end-time plan, i.e., “How will terrorists trump bombing the World Trade towers?” It’s as if people keep wanting something to be greater and greater and greater and greater in order to convince us.

And therein lies my concern. I don’t think that’s what God is going to do – He’s not trying to outperform Himself with ever greater tricks and miracles. He’s not an entertainer, He’s not a magician pulling rabbits out of the hat or a David Copperfield magician trying to outperform his last show and blow up buildings while appearing to escape from them, etc. The Lord is allowing prophecy that has been declared thousands of years previously to fulfill. And when such prophetic statements fulfill, He’s already warned: “When you see such and such,” or “when this happens,” then we are to KNOW! Similarly, the Apostle Peter in the Book of Acts said: “...this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel...” (Acts 2:16). But such prophecy fulfilling is not like waiting for the next blockbuster movie. That’s not what God is doing, yet we can too easily be lulled into that kind of an attitude. The shaking that’s going on in many groups as well as the organized churches such as the Roman Catholic, is effecting the very foundations of people’s faith. Individual Christians are being shaken in their beliefs and God said that would happen so that the things which could be shaken would be shaken, so that the things that could not would remain.

“...Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” Hebrews 12:26-27

That has to take place – that Scripture will and is being fulfilled.

Present events should be telling us that it’s not a matter of getting back into the mentality of planning the course of my life as before. The events of September 11th happened all of a sudden, so, many people said: “oooo, okay, maybe I should do something different.” And then there was waiting a little bit to see “how’s this going to be topped?” When it didn’t get topped right way, there’s been an easing back into the same former mentality and attitudes. Therefore, many are going to be caught that way, for the snare is going snap shut.

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:34-35

It’s going to catch those sitting back waiting for the next big thing to happen.

But some time in the future do you know what the final “big thing” is going to be? I’ll tell you: It will be the taking of the Firstfruits! Which is how?! “As a thief in the night,” i.e., few people will be aware.

“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” I Thessalonians 5:2-3

“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:3

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:43-44

Do you see what I’m getting at? That’s going to be the next “big thing” – the biggest thing – and it’s going to be clandestine (secretive) and not observable until afterwards! Jerusalem is now as “a cup of trembling,” and national leaders would rather not have anything to do with it. Prophecy is fulfilling! Therefore, there comes a time when the next big event is so big, but quick, that no one will notice it until afterwards.

“For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.” Isaiah 28:21

At that time there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” because people will find themselves outside (Mk. 4:10-12). They were given the opportunity, but they made choices that did not bring about changes in their lives. Jesus didn’t say they will be the hypocrites, He said their lot will be with the hypocrites.

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:48-51

They’re believers, but because they hesitated and would not hearken to the words of the Prophets, and to those who were sent to admonish and help them, they will have their lot with the hypocrites, being caught outside where there will be great darkness. That darkness is symbolic also of spiritual darkness.

I’ve pondered Mikkel Dahl’s statements that we should never rule out a literal fulfillment of Scripture unless we see that there’s nothing else to do. Therefore, the Scripture that speaks of those who remain and the woman being taken into the wilderness and hid from the devil and provided for, may see a literal fulfillment (Rev. 12:6,14). Such groups as Shepherdsfield and others, may find some people left after the events of the “thief in the night.” They may be taken someplace or be shielded in such a way that others will be left outside somewhere with the hypocrites in the spiritual darkness. Although I’m not 100% sure about that, still I could see how that would be quite a surprise. And I always try to present the many possibilities of the Word of God, not leaving any out, because we’re to watch! And again, share what you see, watching. “...Watchman, what of the night?” (Isa. 21:11), etc. The watchman sees something happen. He’s to warn the people (Ezek. 33:2-6). And I would say that if there’s anything that I can do at this point as far as warning, it is to keep putting before you such concepts as I’ve just tried to, that a September 11 event might be like a major contraction of a woman, if we want to put it that way. But that doesn’t mean that she’s moved more than a centimeter or two. But maybe it’s the last one just before the “big event.” That’s the thing that we’re not quite certain about. Yet what I’m trying to present to you is that there comes a time when you’re looking for some other big event, but the final big event will be the “thief in the night” act, the “strange work” of God. And, as already stated, that’s my concern. We must remain watchful. Some day there will be many who will say: “I wish I would have listened. I wish I would have heard the voices that were trying to say we are living at that time when it is at the doors.”

Again I say –WATCH!!!