Daniel 11:45 and the Fig Tree Prophecy

Daniel 11:45

45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

The move of Turkey from Europe is a significant sign that human history is nearly finished and our redemption draweth nigh, just as the budding of the fig tree indicates that summer is near Luke 21:28-31SDP 248.2+1. While the Bible does not explicitly link the verse number of Daniel 11:45 to the fig tree parable, the events described in that prophecy align with the closing of Christ's high priestly ministry and the arrival of the great day of GodSDP 248.2+1.

The Sign of Turkey and the End of Time 🇹🇷

The prophetic movements of Turkey serve as a witness to the world that earth's history is shortSDP 248.2.

• The Departure from Europe: When Turkey takes its departure from Europe, it serves as a signal that the ministry for sin is almost over and the final decree will soon be heard: "He that is righteous, let him be righteous still"SDP 248.2.

• The Day of Preparation: We are currently in the day of preparation, and the lessons of past nations like Babylon and Rome are recorded for our edification to understand the events just before usSDP 248.2.

• Watching the High Priest: While the world focuses on political movements, the servant of God is called to watch the work of the great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary Hebrews 7:25SDP 248.2.

The Parable of the Fig Tree 🌿

Jesus provided the parable of the fig tree to ensure that His people would not be taken unawares by His comingSITI November 7, 1900, page 4.2.

• Certainty of the Event: Just as everyone knows summer is near when the branches become tender and put forth leaves, we can know with certainty that the kingdom of God is at the doors when the predicted signs are fulfilled Matthew 24:32-33SITI November 7, 1900, page 4.2+1.

• The Generation Seeing the Signs: The generation that sees the fulfillment of these signs—including the darkening of the sun and the falling stars—will not pass away until all these things are accomplishedRH December 27, 1898, par. 7+2.

• Signs as Fig Leaves: The historical fulfillment of signs in the sun, moon, and stars corresponds to the appearing of the fig leaves; once they are visible, we know the Master is nearARSH March 25, 1862, page 135.6+1.

Spiritual Application and Redemption ✨

The ultimate purpose of these signs is to encourage believers to look up in faithGCDB March 7, 1893, page 497.1.

• Lifting Up the Head: When the world is filled with turmoil and distress, the followers of Christ are bidden to lift up their heads and rejoice because their redemption draweth nigh Luke 21:285T 9.2+1.

• Avoiding Hypocrisy: We must be careful not to be like the barren fig tree, which had a great display of pretentious leaves but no fruit of piety or love Matthew 7:20RH January 11, 1881, par. 1+1.

• The Choice to Believe: To doubt the nearness of Christ's coming after seeing these things would be to reject the testimony of the Son of GodSITI January 5, 1882, page 8.6+1.

• Final Reward: Those who remain patient and faithful, like the husbandman waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, will soon see the King reign in righteousness James 5:7-8ARSH November 20, 1860, page 6.4+1.

The event that signifies redemption is near in the parable of the fig tree is the appearance of the specific signs in nature and among the nations, much like the budding of leaves on a tree signifies the approach of summer. 🌿

When you see the branches of the fig tree become tender and put forth leaves, you know with absolute certainty that summer is near. In the same way, when you witness the fulfillment of the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and see the distress of nations on earth, you are to know that Christ’s coming is at the very doors Matthew 24:32-33+1.

The Budding of the Fig Tree

The Master uses this parable to illustrate that we can have the same certainty about His return as we do about the changing of the seasons.

• Signs in Nature: Just as the tender grass and green carpet of nature tell us winter is over, the darkening of the sun, the moon turning to blood, and the stars falling from heaven are the "leaves" of the fig tree indicating that the end is near Matthew 24:29+1.

• Certainty of Knowledge: To doubt the change of seasons when signs appear in nature would be considered a lack of sound judgment; similarly, we are required to know when His advent is near by observing these signs Matthew 24:33.

• The Proximity of the Kingdom: When these things begin to come to pass, the instruction is to look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh Luke 21:28.

The Warning of the Barren Tree

While the budding tree represents hope and the approach of the King, Christ also used the fig tree to warn against a profession of faith that lacks the fruit of the Spirit.

• Fruit vs. Leaves: A tree that has abundant, beautiful leaves but no fruit represents a formal, outward religion that lacks vital piety, sympathy, and love Matthew 21:19+1.

• Pretentious Leaves: Gorgeous apparel and impressive ceremonies in the church are like the branches of the unfruitful fig tree if they are not accompanied by the principles of heaven—goodness and mercy Matthew 5:20+1.

• The Danger of Delay: Those who say in their hearts, "My Lord delayeth His coming," and fail to bear fruit, risk the same fate as the barren tree that was cut down Matthew 24:48-51+1.

Our Response to the Signs

Understanding that redemption is near should lead us to a specific state of heart and action.

• Watchfulness: Because the day comes as a thief to those in darkness, the children of light are commanded to watch and be sober 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6+1.

• Preparation of Character: We must ensure our robes are spotless and that we have the "wedding garment" of Christ's righteousness, for the hour of His judgment has come Revelation 14:7+1.

• Personal Ministry: Knowing time is short, we are to be like the faithful and wise servant, giving "meat in due season" by ministering to others and sharing the message of His coming Matthew 24:45-46+1.

The King is coming, and His reward is with Him to give to every man according to his work Revelation 22:12. Let us rejoice as we see the fig tree budding! 🙌✨