Matthew 21:18-19 / Mark 11:12-14…
Upon closer inspection…
This was not some impulsive act by Jesus. It might not have yet been fig season, but this particular tree had already put out leaves. In the case of figs the fruit comes before the leaves. This is why Jesus said what He did. It was because the tree had put out leaves, and so there should have been figs on the tree. This was a vivid object lesson. The nation of Israel was withering. It had some of the look of a righteous people, but it in fact was headed for destruction, which would happen in 70 AD. Jesus was predicting and proclaiming this.
This lesson also applies to us as individuals. Many hold promise but they have no produce. In other words, many seem to have the fruit of godliness, but only from a distance. Upon closer inspection it is revealed that their produce is in the realm of earthly, worldly graces. It is not evidence of saving faith. It has the look of the leaves but is simply evidence of a false fruit, fools fruit, which can be had by anyone under the sun. It is not born from the Spirit of God but by the heart of man.
Fools fruit, like fools gold, looks like the real thing, but to the trained eye, it is seen to be the worthless fake that it is (Hebrews 5:14). There are many plans, programs, and personalities out there that purport to be Christian, and that promise us freedom and faithfulness, but they are the stuff of Satan and his minions (2 Peter 2:19 / 1 Timothy 4:1).
What about your own life? Is Christianity for you just some sort of reforming movement, or are you truly being transformed? Is there something new in your life, something unmistakably supernatural, as from the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-23)? The world can counterfeit the fruit of the Spirit; do you know the difference (2 Corinthians 13:5)? Is there real fruit in your life, or are you just becoming “a nicer person”? Do you know what you are looking at?
If you have no fruit you have no future. Not with God, anyway.
4 comments:
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I will continue to beware of 'Christian' motivational speakers and feel-good Christianity. My God is the Author and Finisher, not my cheerleader/activities director.
Well put. :D
Good stuff, Mandi.
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