Look Up or Look Out?

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When the branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Matthew 24:32,33

The spring seemed so warm. We all rushed to plant our beans and put out tomatoes. We hung flowering baskets on our porches. But just when everything seemed to be well on its way, the cold snap hit.  We scurried to cover tomatoes and blooming plants. We threw covers over rows of beans, but lots of things turned brown. We misinterpreted the signs of spring. It cost us time and money. My fig tree is just now putting out the first leaves. Yes it’s late for fig trees but, now I know summer is near.

Are we treating scripture the same way? I taught in a private school in the mid ‘90s. It was very difficult to motivate the students because of all the buzz that Jesus would be back by 2000. Jesus is definitely coming back, but are we misinterpreting the signs? Are we putting emphasis in the wrong place? Check out what Jesus had to say in John 4:35.

 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say  unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

I hope we don’t let the harvest ruin in the field while we are watching for storm clouds to gather.