Devotionals
TITLE: "LEAVES OR FRUIT"
SCRIPTURE: 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 forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. (KJV)”
The cursing of the fig tree shows Jesus authority over things in nature. Similar to when Jesus made the winds and waves obey Him; which is found in all three accounts of the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25.) However, in Matthew chapter 21 Jesus does an astonishing thing, which amazed His disciples. Matthew 21:18-19 states, “(18) Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. (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 forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. (KJV)”
Jesus as God is the Only One who had this earthly authority when He walked the earth. To make all created things obey Him. Also, the good thing about “authority”; Jesus told His disciples in verse 21. They would have this same authority, if they put their faith in God and did not doubt. However, the Lord does not want our lives to look like leaves. Leaves only grow more leaves; which is just useful for the tree it is on. The Lord wants us to be producers of fruit. Good luscious fruit fit for the King and His Kingdom. Israel at the time produced leaves; but, bore no fruit. They were too preoccupied with being under the Romans rule. As a result, hatred came forth, rather than love as God required from His people. They should have been missionaries to the Gentiles. Followers of Jesus Christ are to be fruit producers.
In Mark 12:13, it states that Jesus had seen a particular fig tree afar off. This lets us know; even if we are in a crowd; the Lord sees us and He knows where we are at all times. He knows whether or not our fruit is ripening or if we are allowing it to remain as green leaves. We are not hidden in the grove from the Lord. In other words, are we growing and producing? We do not want our lives to be dried up from the roots. As stated in Mark 11:20 about the fig tree. This tree was not fit for use; even for Jesus. Therefore, He withered its roots so it would eventually become nonexistent. Wow! The power of God; He has the power to give life and take it away. All POWER and Authority are in His Hands. Our lives are never in a crowd. We are singled out by the Lord; whether or not we want to be. Why? God is relational. We are individually created by God for a purpose. We have been carefully crafted as a special jewel with created value. Therefore, our relationship begins with God, through His Son...Jesus Christ. We, as individuals have to stand before God for our sins; not in a crowd. I would like to encourage you to let your light shine for Christ as a fruit producer. Rather than in a crowd of nonproducing leaves. Come out from among people that are trying to darken your light for Jesus Christ.
You have a special purpose in God’s Kingdom. Walk in your calling! Learn His Word, Lean on His Word, Live His Word, Abide in His Word, Apply His Word, Delight in His Word, Commit to His Word, Trust in His Word, and Share His Word! Live purposefully for Jesus Christ!
PRAYER: Lord, my life is for Your use. To become a producer of hearty fruit, fit for You and Your Kingdom. In Your Precious and Holy Name, Amen!
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Wanda Carr
NOTE: All Scriptures are quoted from the King James Version of the Bible, unless otherwise stated. Thank you for your participation in reading this devotional. I pray that it was a blessing to your life!
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
This article has been read 526 times < Previous | Next >
Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.