The Signs of the Kingdom that is Near

And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Luke 21:29-33).

Jesus preached and promised that things are gonna change. He proclaimed the arrival of a new order and He prophesied about the approach of the kingdom of God… “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). His message had a twofold meaning. First, the kingdom of God comes near whenever the presence and power of God shows up through the faithful ministry of His true disciples… “Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” (Luke 10:9). Second, Jesus promised that the eternal kingdom of God would come one day with His return… “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). The Spirit affirms the supremacy and eternity of Christ’s kingdom… “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever’” (Revelation 11:15). Whether it’s in the ministry and witnessing of this day or of the very last days, Jesus wants us to be fully aware of the signs of the kingdom that is near.

When the kingdom of God approaches, there will be a discernable season. Jesus had just finished teaching that there will be terrible signs in the natural world that will perplex the unbeliever and encourage the believer (see v. 25-28, The Signs that Encourage Us). Let’s face it, life in this temporal and trying world is full of such signs every day. Bad things happen to both good and bad people… “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). The difference is that true believers live with an anticipation of Christ showing up, drawing near, and revealing His grace in the midst of our trials. We see every trial as a Christ-glorifying opportunity… “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). And we are thankful for every trial because we know it will last only for a season, and our season to imitate Christ in glorifying God here on earth is a short one… “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4).

When the kingdom of God approaches, there will be a desperate generation. Every generation has had and will have its own share of distress, perplexity, fear, and foreboding (see v. 25-26). Such circumstances and trials confront every individual here on earth with the brevity and fragility of life… “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1), the consequences of separation from God caused by sin… “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2), and the need for a Savior to restore us to God… “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). What makes all the difference in eternity is the decision that can only be made here in this temporal world to trust in Christ… “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

When the kingdom of God approaches, there will be a definite confirmation. True disciples have peace when the world is perplexed because Jesus confirmed that in Him we shall overcome the world’s tribulation… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we grow up into Christ, it is through our everyday witness and ministry that the world will see…

The Signs of the Kingdom that is Near.