Day 287

By
The Fruitless Fig Tree

Scripture

October 13—Mark 11-13: Sermons of the Servant

Observation

It is rare when a servant receives the accolades of the crowd. Mark includes the fleeting triumph of the Servant of God as he is acclaimed by the Passover crowds upon entering Jerusalem for the final week of his life. But after driving the bankers and merchants from the temple, Jesus faces growing opposition from the Jewish leaders. With murderous intent, they seek to silence the Servant once and for all. As Christ and his disciples leave the city one evening, they rest on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus reveals to them events related to his return in final glory.

Application

There is nothing quite as pathetic as a fruitless fruit tree, unless of course, it is a fruitless Christian, a fruitless family, a fruitless church and/or a fruitless nation. Fruit on a tree is a sign of life, vitality and reproduction. But take away the fruit and you are left with a tree that is good for firewood and very little else! Why? Because it is not producing the very thing for which it was planted.

The barren fig tree that Jesus cursed represents the nation of Israel, who had all the outward trappings of religion but not of the fruits of true spirituality. Do you know a church like that? More important, are you like that? Is a "leafy" exterior or religious facade concealing a deep inner lack of fruitfulness in your walk with God? If so, turn to John 15:1-8 for a divine clinic on fruitbearing. Trace the four keys that Jesus mentions: "living, obeying, loving and knowing." Don't allow barrenness to be the norm in your Christian life. For trees and Christians, it's just not normal!

Prayer

Almighty God, we pray that through the help of your indwelling Spirit, our prayers will not merely be sweet tones, but effective words. We know that everyone who says eloquent speeches to you will not enter the kingdom of heaven but only those who does your will. Help us to bear fruits of true spirituality that is pleasing to you and that is to obey your Word in truth and spirit. And, we pray this in our Savior, Jesus' name! Amen!
 
The Truth Will Make You Free!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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