Figgy Delight

 

Devotions for November 11, 2020

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

This day has come into view, like a fruit hidden from yesterday’s leaf. Yet, only you know what tomorrow has in store. Today is a tremendous gift. Open my heart and mind to see all that you have provided. Yet, close my mind and heart to fears and worries about what I cannot see or control. Be with us in this season of life, full of change and shifting. Guide us to see your workings in the beyond. Like a mist off the ocean coming towards us, give us a hint of a taste into what we are able to prepare for within your plan. Guide us in wisdom to trust in your enduring care. We pray for love, those we love, and those we have yet to love … In your saving Name. Amen.

 

Matthew 24:29-35

“Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see ‘the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven’ with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

“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 all these things, 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.

 

Reflection

I just ate a fig bar. So, I understand the beauty of waiting for a ripening fruit. I had my first fresh fig last summer, so I fully appreciate the delicious complexity that Jesus is preparing us for. I can’t wrap my mind around stars falling, nor the angels gathering the elect. It seems like this whole passage is a mostly positive reality. Maybe it is just the sweet mood from the figgy delight. I hope that it is the perspective of faith. Yes, all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Though, I think it is the kind of mourning for something when you know it is finally over. You had convinced yourself for so long that you deeply enjoyed earth as it was, even though God had wired you to long for God’s presence. But then you come to the realization that you can be truthful with yourself. God is hidden no longer and the fullness of joy pushes out the last tears of sadness in one final sweep of weeping. Certainly, those who are fully invested in wickedness and have chosen the former earth will pass away with it. They have reason to be sad. Me, I am ready to stop singing “Come Lord Jesus.” I want to sing the throne song of glory, power, and honor!