When the disciples asked YAHSHUA what would be the signs of His coming, He gave them these signs: wars and rumors of wars, famine, earthquakes, apostasy, persecutions, love grown cold, due to “the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity”. He said, Now learn a lesson from the fig tree; as soon as its branch becomes tender and it puts forth its leaves, you recognize and know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things happening, you may recognize and know that He is near, at the door (Mark 13:28-29). The sings of the end have been with us for a while; it is getting intense with every year, calling our attention to be prepared and vigilant, not to miss the calling. The fig tree here does not represent the nation of Israel, but an example indicating a sign, as we read in the Song of Solomon showing the passing of the winter into spring time. He also used the example of a man going on a journey; when he put his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and he gave orders to the doorkeeper to be constantly alert and on the watch (Mark 13:34).
Ignoring the signs of the end will keep us in the dark and unprepared for YAHSHUA’S second event, when He will come for His bride. Ignorance is blindness; unbelief is rebellion; spiritual blindness brings us condemnation. The apostasy sign will be so predominant at that time, that YAHSHUA warned us by asking the question, Will the Son of Man find faith when He comes? In the parable of the ten virgins YAHSHUA emphasized the individual preparedness necessary to be successfully waiting for Him: It is only by being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a matter that concerns individuality, not collectivity. Paul said, Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, making the very most of the time (girding the loins) because the days are evil; therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is, and do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the will of the [Holy] Spirit, speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, at all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord YAHSHUA the Messiah to God the Father, be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ, wives be subject to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord … husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word that He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things (Ephesians 5:15-27). Being filled with the Holy Spirit (oil) and not with wine, which represents the foolishness of the world and lack of self-control, is to live purposefully as the five virgins of the parable. Foolishness is a sign of darkness and lack of spiritual understanding.
In the parable of Matthew twenty-five YAHSHUA emphasized the importance of faithfulness, obedience in service. He has entrusted us with his property- the Gospel. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). To those who will be faithful with His investments He will say, “Well done, you upright servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy which your master enjoys;” but to the unfaithful servant He will say, “Throw the good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” Understanding the signs of times we will put all in perspective, when we face the evil days. As the matter of fact, they are here already, no doubt about it.
The signs of the times point to YAHSHUA’S fulfillment of His promise of many years ago. It should not constitute fear and panic, but a time of rejoicing; a time of expectation of the consummation of our salvation. It proves the veracity of the Word of God, Who through His servants, the prophets revealed those things that are now happening. It is a marvelous thing to ponder about all that is happening in the world, as we see the fulfillment of the prophecies of thousands of years ago taking place. Peter said, let’s be eager to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace, growing in grace and in knowledge of our Lord YAHSHUA (II Peter 3); and build yourselves up your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord YAHSHUA the Messiah; and save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality (Jude 20-23).
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, Paul said, we shall be changed from perishable to imperishable. How fast is that? Very fast. The signs of the times are everywhere we look. Let’s rejoice as we look forwardly for the coming of our Lord, YAHSHUA!
Light from the Word 