The Fig Tree

Who are you when only God is watching? Are you someone who puts on a front when they show up to church? Are you the same person on Sunday as you are on Friday night?

Before writing this, I was reading Matthew 21 and came across the parable of the fig tree.

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.

A few weeks before this event, Jesus told the parable of the fig tree where the command to “cut it down” had been delayed [Luke 13:6-9]. Here Jesus is actively coming to the tree. Jesus was hungry, so this tree in particular drew His attention. Let’s keep in mind that the time of the year of this event was not the season for fig trees. So finding leaves on the tree and it being in bloom was not normal. However, upon further examining the tree, the Lord found no fruit. He must’ve been quite disappointed in finding a tree that was in bloom however did not bear what was expected of it. What use is there in having a tree that does not bear fruit when it was designed to? At least the others that have not bloomed have yet to show if they are capable of bearing fruit.

Here the fig tree is symbolic of the nation of Israel. The leaves of the tree are the outward expression that Jews had shown, but without the fruits of righteousness, that outward devotion is more useless than a baron tree. Without righteousness through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, how would we be able to cultivate fruit?

Cultivate your fruit. Stop making Sunday the only day for the Lord. Everyday is the Lord’s. If you’ve surrendered your life to Him. You know that your life is no longer your own.

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The Servants at the Door

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The Untraveled Road