Listen

“Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he’s near, at the door. I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.”

Mark 13:28-31

Think

When is the last time you saw a fruit tree blooming? I tend to purchase my fruit in the grocery store and don’t have many opportunities to witness the cycle of fruit-bearing trees. I went to the apple orchard this year with my son’s kindergarten class, but we only saw the trees filled with apples. We weren’t there to witness the blossoms.

The natural cycles of a fig tree were common in Jesus’ day. Figs were a common food, and fig trees were ample. The blooming leaves of the tree signaled newness. For those who noticed, they could tell the next season was on the horizon. Who doesn’t wait hopefully for the warmth of summer after a cold winter and rainy spring?

Jesus doesn’t give a date of his return, but he tells his hearers that his words are trustworthy and true. It is up to us to live like we believe them. Today, notice the signs of newness in our world, even in the midst of all that is seemingly old and ordinary.

Kelly Adams

Question to Ponder: 

What’s something that is a sign of hope to you personally?

Pray

I confess, O God, that often I only notice the broken and bad in the world.

Today, I pray for a fresh way of seeing, so that I can notice the small signs of hope that I sometimes miss.

Thank you for the rhythms of nature that remind me your renewal is always taking place.

Amen.

Go

Go now, confident that God is acting, full of hope for a world transformed by peace, love, and joy.

Share a smile, an encouraging word, or a gesture of kindness that shows your hope in action.