Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Matthew 21:19, ” And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away. “
Background
We know when something is missing from our lives, don’t we? I mean, when we are tired or lonely or unhappy, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what might be causing the problem. And even in more complex yet subtle areas like relationships or social dynamics, we are aware when something is out of sorts. We might not be very skilled or adept at dissecting the root causes or figuring out exactly what needs to be done to rectify the situation, but we at least are able to recognize that something is amiss. And the one thing we do learn fairly early in life is how to manage or cope with the shortcomings we have. Putting up barriers or creating certain images for our self can give the impression that things are going better than they actually are, and can delay or nearly eliminate the time when the facade is removed and the truth must be dealt with. That is when we are looked upon and found to have nothing about us but leaves. And if that is the dance that you have been having with Jesus, then realize that it is time for the music to stop and the facade to come down.
Application
When Jesus looks at us, of course He wants to see the fruit that we bear. But when He came to the fig tree to get His breakfast, He had not lost His ability to create figs where there were none. Just because the tree was barren did not mean He couldn’t have fruit. Unquenched hunger was not His problem. What He didn’t like was a healthy-looking tree that looked the part of a fruit-bearer, but actually was only full of showy leaves. That is what caused Him to wipe out the tree. The fruit He could get, but He had to have it from a sincere, pure heart. He took very seriously the substance behind the show then, and He cares infinitely about the truth behind the talk and the faith behind the walk now. The leaves are not bad, but if they are there to disguise for what’s actually missing, then be warned. A withered tree is not a good look for His followers.
Charge
As we seek Him today, get real about what you’re putting out there for the Lord, and make a clear distinction between your leaves and your fruit.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
