The Lesson of the Fig Tree

FigsAdvent
November 30, 2014

Scripture Reading: Mark 13:24-37

‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. — Mark 13:28-31

I ate my first fresh fig ever this summer while touring Turkey and thought of Jesus’ lesson of the fig tree. Our tour bus pulled over next to a farmer’s fruit and vegetable stand by the side of the road. The farmer knew we were coming for he had already set aside more than enough figs for our group to each get one or two. It was delicious.

I recently volunteered to bring a fruit plate for the after-church reception we have each year on the first Sunday of Advent following our Hanging of the Green service. I looked for fresh figs but in Oklahoma in late November, I did not find any fresh figs so I got dried ones. I wanted others to experience the taste of new fruit, but I realized that the dried figs, like Christ’s words are just as nurturing and always available.

It is hard to know how to mark the church year in the midst of now Gray Thursday, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. I know it is important that our economy and all of the economies of the world remain stable so that all peoples can thrive. We have a long way to go in realizing such abundance throughout the world and a long way to go in setting our own houses in order regarding material wealth. It is, thus, important for us to remember that those things do pass away but the love of God through Jesus Christ never ends.

Prayer: Order our lives, O Lord, during this Advent season so that our love for you drives all that we are and do. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.