The Fig Tree

We were watching a documentary on PBS one evening, and it was on the Andes mountains in Peru. They were talking about how much of a literal desert it was in the highest elevations and were highlighting the different animal species surviving in that harsh climate.

One such animal was the speckled bear. They were talking about this bear and suddenly they show way off in the distance (at least several miles) the brightest green blob on the gray/tan/white mountain stone background. We were all like, what's that!? Then they revealed that it was a fig tree. A single fig tree that created a literal oasis in such a barren environment.

They proceeded to show the bear going to this fig tree and then showed the atmosphere around the tree. The fig tree was full with bright green healthy foliage and it was huge! It had many branches and was as tall as it was wide (as fig trees tend to get). Beneath the canopy of the fig tree was a deep pool of water, where the bear could drink - a rarity in that environment. In the branches, there were perched these little birds that are known in that area - all chittering and chirping away happily at the shelter that the boughs provided. Then it went on to highlight a different bear in a different area, and on the documentary went.

But sitting there, I immediately zoned out and had a wow moment. That whole scene in the documentary just struck a chord and out loud I said, "Wow! Do you realize how symbolic that just was!?" And my husband was like, "Yeah" and appeared to be half musing and half watching the show.

I sat there and immediately I kept getting phrases like "living water", "leaves on the fig tree", "come all who are thirsty", and "take shelter in the protection of the Almighty".

Luke 21:28-30 "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. He told them this parable: 'Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.'"

Revelations 7:17 "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ' He will lead them to springs of living water.' And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

The bear was thirsty and throughout its entire life, it had only drank water a very few times - only able to stay alive through the water found in cacti plants. How much more so does that describe us? We wander through the desert of life constantly seeking out water to quench our thirst. And there, in the midst of our desert, is a bright oasis - Jesus.

Jesus offers us living water and the bread of life. Jesus offers us protection and shelter. The Lord has been impressing upon me the past several years, about what is going to take place soon, that winter (or night) is coming - when no man can work (John 9:4). 2020 has shown us that it has already begun.

The Bible tells us that the fig tree in bloom shows us that summer will be here as well. We know that Summer comes after Winter so.....look nigh for the Day of the Lord is near! We must go through winter in order to get to the Summer that Jesus promises us is coming.

We must endure trials and tribulations before that glorious day. So may we all take shelter under the boughs of the Most High. May we drink from the fount of Living Water that the Lord gives. May we endure until the very end, no matter what it may look like, no matter how dark, no matter how painful. (James 1:2-4)