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Re: Bulletin Board [message #12252 is a reply to message #12241]

Mon, 12 June 2017 16:16

james
Messages: 2137
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL

Senior Member

Leaves or Fruit?

In Mark as well as Matthew the account of Jesus cursing the fig tree is given. Have you ever wondered why this was recorded when so many other important events were happening during the last days of Jesus' earthly ministry? We seemed to use Mark 11:22-24 as a quoted scripture regarding our 'faith' walk quite often back 'in the day'. But it can also be to point out other things Jesus was telling his followers, such as 'bearing fruit'. We know if He had really been want something to eat He could have just spoke into existence whatever He desired. Yet He choose a tree that had no fruit; plenty of foliage (leaves), but no fruit. It looked like it would be a productive tree from a distance because it looked healthy with full foliage, but it bore no fruit.

Notice in the next few verses we're told how Jesus came to the Temple and ran out the money changers because they had made God's house a place of finance rather than a place of worship. It appeared to be (from outward observance) to be busy with God's work going on (sacrifices, worship, prayer) but Jesus saw it as an offense against God. Remember in Jeremiah chapter seven where God spoke through the prophet about how the people were busy with their Temple worship and rituals and yet God was watching their hearts and saw what was really happening. Another example is found in Revelation when Jesus is addressing the seven churches, Sardis had the 'reputation' as being a healthy God centered church but yet Jesus had to point out their lack and what He had against them.

We know the scripture stating that man looks on the 'outward' appearance, but that God looks at our hearts and there are many other scriptures admonishing us to follow Jesus from our hearts not just outward motions, to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only. The Word tells us that the eyes of The Lord are searching to and fro seeking those whose hearts are truly set upon Him; not who goes about 'looking' like believers, but followers of The Way, The Truth, and The Life...Jesus. Bearing fruit, not just looking like a healthy fruit tree.

Just something to meditate upon and examine ones heart about. (Mostly a reminder to myself...it's so easy to get caught up in just going through the motions of religion rather than guarding our hearts against becoming lukewarm and living on autopilot.)

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”

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