Jim started talking about dates and ended up talking about figs. Very exciting post!

To further establish that the putting forth of the fig tree's leaves means the end of the age (aion) is near, consider Jesus' cursing of the fig tree.

Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

The word for "for ever" is really not forever, but "aion" (an age) in the Greek. This is the same word as Ephesians 2:7 "Than in the ages (aion) to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness to us through Christ Jesus".

Since aion means an age or an unbroken age. Jesus was saying that there would be no fruit on the fig tree for an Age. We are now in the Church Age. But suddenly in 1967 the fig tree is sprouting leaves. Fruit will only appear on the fig tree after this age is complete at the rapture of the entire Body of Christ, the Church.

Mt 24:32-33
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.

Can't be long now.