Matthew 24:, the companion passage to Rev 6:, tells us…
Mat 24:32-34 KJV
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Following a description of the tribulation that we face in today’s time (Matt 24:3-28), we are told that these things are signs of the coming return of Christ. This is how they are described … “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”
Please note: in this text:
1. the “leaves” are pictures of the tribulations we face in today’s time
2. the “summer” is a picture of the return of Christ.
In other words, the tribulations that are prophesied to take place are signs of the impending coming of Christ. Much like the leaves on a fig tree are signs that summer is near at hand. Folks, look around us, we have clear indicators that the second coming of Christ is near.
Do you recognize all of the false teaching that is being broadcast throughout the world, or what about the many wars that we see taking place? What about the many shortages that the nations of the world are experiencing combined with the horrific deaths that we see on display on the tv news? All of these, and many other tribulations we are facing are constant reminders that Christ is coming soon. These are the “leaves of the fig tree” being talked about.
The disciples are then told that these same “leaves” of the fig tree (“all these things”) would all take place during his generation… “this generation shall not pass, till all these things are fulfilled.” This is teaching us that in the disciples’ day false teachers, wars, famines, horrific deaths, martyrdom, rejection and removal of God’s truth (from Israel), etc etc would take place. And sure enough, with Titus invasion and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, (70 AD) we have these events taking place within 40 years of Christ’s teachings.
May we all see the wonderous prophesies given to us by Christ that were fulfilled 100%. Just as these prophesies concering His coming came true in the days of Titus, carrying through today’s time, so too we can count on the promise of His soon return to be fulfilled as well. May we never doubt that He is coming again… we can know this with certainty because what He says ALWAYS comes true!
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation & Matthew:
Seals 1-4: http://wp.me/pU88A-3TJ
Next weeks’ posting – Seals 5-6: http://wp.me/pU88A-3Uc
Matthew 24: http://wp.me/pU88A-IW
Settled In Heaven Blog 
Reblogged this on My Delight and My Counsellors.
I admit this was a hard passage for me
The key is to understand what the phrase “these things” is referring to…”the leaves of the fig tree”, which does not include the second coming of Christ, only events that point to His coming. For several years I assumed the coming of Christ was included and nothing made sense. Now it seems ot all fall into place!