Heaven Bound

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near”  Matthew 24:32

In less than a month Israel will reach her 70th birthday. A milestone that will be heralded around the world. For those who love her it will be a day of rejoicing and blessing and for those who do not, a day of scorn.

Today is Iyar 1 on the Hebrew calendar. And it was Iyar 5 that Israel was reborn as a nation.  As you can see from the words of Jesus (as quoted above) it is no coincidence that Israel would be reborn in the month of Iyar for the very name Iyar means rosette or blossom.

I found something interesting about fig trees while reading this afternoon. According to Wikipedia –

“although the fig tree flowers in early to mid spring, its tiny greenish blossoms are hidden from view with a dozen or more developing inside a receptacle, called a syncomium. The receptacle ripens as the season progresses, eventually becoming the tree’s fruit, or fig”.

This makes me think of what Jesus said in the Olivet discourse when he spoke of the blossoming of the fig tree. Yes, Israel would flower and bring forth tender green leaves in 1948 but like the fig tree which it is likened to would only ripen and bear fruit with the progression of the season. And I believe that season is now.

It was also on Iyar 7 that the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt almost 88 years after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar.  So as you can see, Iyar is indeed a time for rebuilding and blossoming.

What that means for us as believers is this. The time of the Gentiles is rapidly coming to a close and our departure for heaven is near. Consider these verses from the Song of Solomon chapter 2 verses 10-13.

” Arise my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit, the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.” 

Yes, the world (with the exception of born again believers) has not understood the purpose for which God has restored Israel. Like the tiny blossoms hidden from view as the tree ripens, the purpose for which Israel was reestablished has been obscured. But the day for the ripening of the fruit is near and someday all will understand. May the Lord find us ready when he comes.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy

*Photo courtesy of google images