Sometimes a Fig Tree is Just a Fig Tree

So much has been invented concerning the parable of the fig tree, while the real meaning is lost.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. Matt 24:32.

"Now we know that the fig tree means the nation Israel. We know that the UN created Israel in 1948. We know that all these things Jesus talked about will happen in one generation. So figure a generation from 1948 and prophecy will be fulfilled."

The date of this event or events varied with how long you figured a generation to be. Many figured 30 years. But as 1978 came and went by, the time for a generation kept being advanced. You don't hear as much about this date setting any more.

That is how clever people talked. Now this is not a criticism against preaching about Israel. But what happened in 1948 was not the creation of Israel, or the fulfillment of prophecy.

Reminds me of a statement attributed to Ignatious Loyola, "Don't be too clever." But more than mere cleverness is not the problem here. Before we leap, or follow those who leap, we should look at the scriptures.

I cite Luke 21:29. And he spake to them a parable; Behold, the fig tree, and all the trees;

We could all gain if we checked the scriptures. Before we claim to know what the Bible means, should we not be certain what it says?