Devotional Thoughts: More end of the world as we know it

Continuing the march through Matthew and am in the midst of the famous "end of the world as we know it" discourse of Matthew 24.

Specifically, am looking at Matthew 24:32-36 this morning.

" ... Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its buds become tender and leaves sprout ... summer is near ... you can know his return is near, right at the door ... "

This seems to suggest we are given enough clues to the end of all things to have some idea it is around the corner.

But then Jesus seems to backtrack, "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen ... "

A couple of possible explanations.

(1) The fig tree metaphor is to show inevitability of the events (summer and leaves on a fig tree go together like the sun rising in the east and setting in the west) Jesus has described and the follow on statement shows the uncertainty of the exact timing of the events.

(2) the fig tree metaphor points to a season of time which is knowable but the specific time is not knowable. For instance, we know it is summertime because the days are getting longer and hotter but without special astronomical knowledge on our part, we don't know when the longest day is. In short, we have an idea it is summer but we don't specifically know when the summer solstice is unless we have special knowledge. Jesus stresses that only the Father knows when all this comes to a conclusion.

Another interesting statement in the passage is, "this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place."

Hmm ... is this a literal generation? Or is this figurative? Don't know.

Some of the events described in the previous verses in Matthew 24 could be considered fulfilled by the Temple destruction in AD 70. Thus, these things did take place within a generation of the disciples hearing these teachings.

Since I'm a molecular biologist not a theologian, I can only report what others have told me. One friend was telling me about the Preterism view of this passage.

From that article, preterism is the viewpoint that says most if not all of these Matthew 24 prophecies have been fulfilled. Thus, there are full preterists, partial preterists and others who hold neither view. I have not invested the intellectual energy to try to figure this one out.

As I see it, at the very least, the passages prediction of the Temple destruction seems fulfilled. Whether there will be another literal fulfillment, I don't know. For instance, if construction were to start on a new Jewish Temple in Jerusalem ... whoa!

As for the terrible time of persecutions, that was also fulfilled in the events surrounding the Temple destruction. It has also re-occurred throughout human history.

As for other events like calamities and false messiahs, again, constant fulfillment throughout human history.

Thus, to confine all the prophecy to only AD 70 would seem to be a very limiting perspective on these passages. However, it is not clear to me to what extent there will be future fulfillment and to what extent it is going to be as literal as described.

I can only lean on v. 36 that says, "only the father knows."

Lord, you have your own timing. Help me to live fully for you making the most of whatever time I've been alloted. Help me to be a good and faithful servant. Help me to be loving and holy child of God. Amen.