All Jesus’s disciples would have undoubtedly understood this illustration. Their entire lives they had seen fig trees grow by the Sea of Galilee. In the springtime, they would have watched the branches grow leaves that produced buds. Each year, it was a sure sign for them that summer was not far off. In the same way, the coming of Christ at the end of this period of Tribulation, this era of suffering, will be preceded by a series of events that seemingly cannot be missed. Potentially catastrophic events that will affect the entire world. We don’t know what this will entail, but we can still only choose to be ready for it by living with open, changed hearts, doing what Jesus asked us to—helping the poor, loving each other, being good stewards of what we’ve been given, and so on. That is how we influence the rest of the world as the time draws near, no matter how close or how far away it remains.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

In what ways might you be living apathetically in your walk with Jesus because your mindset isn’t future-focused?

How can we continue to be reflections of Jesus when catastrophe hits?