The certainty of God
Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and all the other trees. When you see their leaves beginning to appear, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the Kingdom of God is about to come.’ (verses 29-31)
Read Luke 21: 29-38
We cannot escape from God’s presence in our lives. We can try to ignore him, but he never ignores us. God is a certainty, no matter how we may try to dismiss him.
In the parable of the fig tree Jesus talks about certainty. When we see new leaves beginning to appear on trees, we know that spring is here and summer is just around the comer. It’s as certain as night following day and the tide always coming back in on the seafront.
In his parable Jesus is telling us that his plan for his people will come to pass. It’s a certainty. We cannot ignore it. Nor can we escape from it. There is the certainty of his love and his promise: ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away’.
So look at the regular patterns in nature and be reminded of their reliable creator and Lord. What could be more reassuring?
Creator and Lord, all around me I see evidence of your love and promises. Thank you for these reassurances. Amen.
by Grace Bock, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)
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