Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD
Friday, 1st July 2022
“SUMMER” IS NEAR
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. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled (Matthew 24:32-34)
Just how close is the Rapture? The parable of Jesus in our opening text gives a key to the timing. It talks about a fig tree whose branches are still tender. From the Scriptures, we know the fig tree is symbolic of the nation of Israel.
In 1948, Israel became a nation, which right now is still tender. It’s engaged in several conflicts and surrounded by enemies who want it completely annihilated. Jesus said, “When the branch is yet tender, it means summer is near.” What did He mean, and why summer?
The Bible says, “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son…” (Proverbs 10:5). This shows us something about summer: it’s gathering time. So, the tender branch indicates that gathering time is near.
We see this also in the Book of Amos, where a prophetic word was given concerning the nation of Israel: “Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more” (Amos 8:1-2). Israel wasn’t living for the Lord, and God was going to judge them. But He said to Amos, “See, I have a basket of summer fruit.” This meant that He would gather another harvest, referring to the Gentiles.
2 Thessalonians 2:1 says, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.” Our gathering together unto Him refers to the Rapture of the Church, and it’s closer than ever. We don’t have much time left. The gathering can take place any moment from now. If there’s anything you want to do for the Lord, this is the time. Don’t wait; otherwise, it might be too late. The time to act is now.
PRAYER
Dear Father, my life is guided by your love and my expectation of the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m compelled by your love to reach all men urgently with the Gospel, thereby preparing them for our great gathering together unto you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 13:11 TLB Another reason for right living is this: you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. 12-13 The night is far gone, the day of his return[a] will soon be here. So quit the evil deeds of darkness and put on the armor of right living, as we who live in the daylight should! Be decent and true in everything you do so that all can approve your behavior. Don’t spend your time in wild parties and getting drunk or in adultery and lust or fighting or jealousy.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Acts 15:22-35 & Esther 5-7
2 Year Bible Reading Plan : 2 Corinthians 11:10-33 & Isaiah 20
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