If you will notice what is stated you will see that Jesus is saying when we see all these things, that is the events He had just spoken of, we know His return is imminent. So it seems the shooting out of the leaves of the fig tree is speaking of the signs in the heavens that immediately precede His return. Summer is near when the fig tree shows signs of life. In like manner we understand His coming is at hand when we see the signs in the sky.

Perhaps the reference to the fig tree has nothing to do with Israel, although this is what is commonly taught.

The idea that "this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened" may mean the generation that witnesses the great signs in the heavens will not pass away until the Lord comes. This makes sense to me.

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36—NIV)

Some may object that since the Son is equal to the Father it is not possible for the Father to know something the Son does not. This problem arises from our Evangelical theology. If we stay with the New Testament there is no problem. The Lord Jesus is presented as the Son of God. The Father is greater than He according to Christ's own words. God the Father is the God of the Lord Jesus and the Lord Jesus is obedient to Him. Jesus only does what the Father shows Him.

In Gethsemane Christ poured out His soul in obedience to His Father.

Now the Father has made Jesus both Lord and Christ and it is proper that we worship Him as we worship God.

The whole Book of Revelation was known to God before God revealed it to the Lord Jesus!

It is amazing what light the Bible throws on the commentaries!

Let us, with our Lord Jesus, together sing praises to God our Father from whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named.

He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." (Hebrews 2:12—NIV)

First we saw the great tribulation. Immediately after followed the historic second coming of the Lord. What takes place next is the outpouring of the wrath of God.

Those who teach the unscriptural "pre-tribulation rapture" often do not show clearly that the great tribulation is a season of worldwide trouble while the wrath of God is a time when God judges the sin found on the earth. Indeed it is true that God has not appointed His saints to wrath. Wrath is destructive.

But tribulation makes the saint perfect. Tribulation produces patience.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (Romans 5:3—NIV)

The Apostle Paul rejoiced in his tribulations. But you would never hear him say that he rejoiced in God's wrath! It is my point of view that the great tribulation will perfect the Bride of the Lamb.

Those who reject the role of suffering in our redemption will not get very far with the Lord.

To be continued.