THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING

 

Thursday, March 20, 2025

 

THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING

 

Matt 24:32-34

32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 

 

The vernal equinox arrives today, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere and the fall in the Southern Hemisphere. On the equator, the sun will be directly overhead at noon. Equinoxes are the only time when both the north and south poles are lit by sunshine at the same time. Here in Texas, the Narcissus flower stubbornly pushes to the surface and the roadside scrubs lend their beauty.

 

This speech of Jesus was so significant that it is included in all three of the synoptic gospels. Perhaps it is because Jesus was not casually talking about the weather! He was talking about signals of coming events. The end of days is God’s well-kept secret but there will be signs that can be observed.

 

Adam Clarke reminds us that the word “generation” does not refer to time but to a people. He says, “[This generation shall not pass] Hee genea aute, this race, i.e. the Jews shall not cease from being a distinct people, till all the counsels of God relative to them and the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

 

The word “summer” is the Greek word theros which simply means “heat”. Today we may miss the signs, but we surely feel the heat.

 

Matt 24:37-39

37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

 

Dear Lord, even the irreligious can feel something is coming soon. Let us prepare. Amen