Matthew 24:32 “Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near.”
Today, many Christians believe we are living in the last of the last days. Those who embrace Premillennial Dispensationalism often point to current events as evidence that Christ’s return is drawing very near. Historic Premillennialists also look for Christ’s return before His millennial reign, though many are more careful about the way they connect present-day events with specific prophecies.
Whatever one’s position, history teaches us to approach prophecy with humility.
Charles Taze Russell confidently predicted dates for Christ’s return. Every prediction failed. He was not the first to make that mistake, nor the last. Jesus Himself settled the matter when He said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows… but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36).
Our calling has never been to determine the day.
Our calling is to be ready.
There is a familiar saying, often attributed to Martin Luther, though historians question whether he actually spoke the words:
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
Whether Luther said it or not, the thought captures a profoundly biblical attitude.
If Christ returns tomorrow, I will rejoice beyond anything words can express.
But if He tarries another year, another decade, or another century, I pray that He finds me faithfully doing the work He has entrusted to me. I want to continue sharing the gospel. I want to encourage fellow believers. I want to serve wherever God has placed me. In other words, I want to keep planting my apple tree.
The world around us may encourage speculation. Headlines come and go. Every generation has witnessed wars, political upheaval, natural disasters, and moral decline. Some have confidently declared that the end had arrived, only to watch history continue.
Jesus called us to something better.
He called us to faithfulness.
The fig tree reminds us that summer is near. In the same way, the signs Christ described remind us that His return is certain. Whether it is today or generations from now is not for us to know. But every sunrise gives us another opportunity to live for Him, to love others in His name, and to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
So as summer moves toward those Summer Doldrums but life continues at a breakneck pace, let’s not allow it to push our thoughts of God aside. Instead, let the sight of fruit laden branches remind us that our Lord is faithful to every promise He has made.
So as summer moves toward those inevitable summer doldrums, even while life continues at a breakneck pace, let’s not allow the busyness of the season to push our thoughts of God aside. Instead, whenever we see the fig tree clothed in leaves or the orchards heavy with fruit, may we remember that our Lord is faithful to every promise He has made. One day, just as surely as summer follows the budding branch, our King will return. Until then, may He find us faithfully planting our apple trees.
Some seasons leave us feeling strong. Others leave us bruised.
Jesus knows the difference.
In Matthew 12:20, we are given one of the most comforting pictures of our Savior: “He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.” Rather than casting aside those who are weary, discouraged, or struggling, Christ gently restores them with compassion and unfailing grace.
Set against the quiet beauty of a sunset over the wetlands, this short devotional reflects on the tenderness of our Savior toward those whose faith feels fragile. If you have ever wondered whether God still cares for you in your weakness, this reminder is for you.
Watch the video below, and be encouraged by the gentle hands of Christ.
A Bruised Reed
There are moments in Scripture that seem almost too simple to notice, yet they contain some of the deepest truths of the Christian faith. One of those moments is found after the resurrection when we read that Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. It is a quiet detail, but one filled with hope.
Mary’s past was marked by brokenness, yet she became a beautiful testimony of Christ’s delivering power. Her story reminds us that our past does not define our future. The Savior who freed her from bondage welcomed her into close fellowship and entrusted her with the joyful news that He had risen.
This short video, Delivered by Christ, reflects on that remarkable encounter. Set against a peaceful sunset over Lake Almanor, it is an invitation to pause for a few moments and remember that Christ still calls His people by name. His grace still breaks chains. His presence still turns sorrow into joy. And His delivering power is just as real today as it was on that resurrection morning. I pray this video encourages you to rest in the freedom that is found only in Jesus Christ.
Delivered By Christ
The Christian life is more than knowing what Christ has done for us—it is learning to walk with Him every day. Following Delivered by Christ, this devotional reflects on the example of Mary Magdalene, whose love for Jesus led her to seek Him before the sun had fully risen.
Filmed against the peaceful waters of Northern California’s Feather River, this video reminds us that fellowship with Christ begins with a heart that longs for His presence. Like the steady flow of the river, His grace is constant, inviting us to seek Him each new morning with faith, courage, and love.
Steven Stoops -- TUCOR Five One Seven Productions 
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