I believe we are in the end times. I believe the end is very near. I believe in a rapture.
Jesus said, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh,
even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done."
(Mark 13:28-30)
Careful study has led many people to understand that the "fig tree" is symbolic of Israel. We should all know that Israel did not exist as a nation since it was destroyed in 70AD. Like the cursed fig tree of Mark 11:12-14, Israel had withered from the roots up. Yes, Israel was uprooted, and it was God's punishment for bearing no fruit. But in the latter part of 1948, that changed, and that seemingly dead tree, became alive again. Israels first elections took place in February of 1949.
"The presence of a fruitful fig tree was considered to be a symbol of blessing and prosperity for the nation of Israel. Likewise, the absence or death of a fig tree would symbolize judgment and rejection. Symbolically, the fig tree represented the spiritual deadness of Israel, who while very religious outwardly with all the sacrifices and ceremonies, were spiritually barren because of their sins. By cleansing the Temple and cursing the fig tree, causing it to whither and die, Jesus was pronouncing His coming judgment of Israel and demonstrating His power to carry it out."
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Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?
Now we have Jesus speaking of a fig tree with tender branches in the end times. That is, we see Jesus telling us about a future Israel that is not actually dead, but an Israel coming back to life, with tender branches. And that when we see this, we will know that the time of the end is very near just as it is true that when the leaves of a fig tree come forth, we also know that summer is near. He says that "this generation will not pass, till all these things be done. He's saying that there is a generation of people that shall see Israel become a nation again and that this is the generation that will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory and also see the end come to pass.
So, there is a generation of people that are living today that was alive when the fig tree's (Israel's) branch was yet tender that shall see the end of days. I believe that a generation is on average about 70 years. I don't know if God uses averages or not. Maybe He will use a real person's life to represent "this" generation that He is referring to. And don't forget the Great Tribulation must take place for 3.5 years before the end. We've got a solar eclipse coming soon, and two more blood moons coming in the spring and fall of 2015. Remember, the fall of 2015 is the mark of the beginning of a 3.5 year period of time that ends in 2019, the 70th year after Israel had it's first elections.
I don't know if the end is now. But if there were ever a good time for the end to take place, it's right now, and so of course, I'll be watching.