If You Have Faith

Scripture:  Matthew 21:18-22  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

18 In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19 and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. 20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” (Matthew 21:18–22 NLT)

Jesus said to the fig tree, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately it withered! I think this was not a fit of anger on Jesus’ part. I think this was an acted-out lesson for his disciples (and us)! He had turned over some tables in the Temple the previous evening because the Temple looked good from the outside, but its worship and rituals and sacrifices had become empty and meaningless (fruitless). The fig tree was full of leaves, promising a nourishing meal, but on closer examination, it too, like Temple, Inc. was fruitless.

This makes me think about my life, about our lives, friends.  I’m asking, “Is my life like that fig tree, looking pretty good from a distance, but empty and fruitless on closer examination?” I don’t think we’re as fruitless as that fig tree! I think we’re making progress, friends! But I want our lives to be full of light, to be salt in our earth, to be leaven in our local loaf of bread, to be bountiful heads of wheat, to be big fat grape-laden vines, to be fig-laden branches!

I’m going to say to the mountain of selfishness, laziness, and mixed motives in my life, “Be removed and cast into the sea!” And I’m going to pray for greater fruitfulness, more light, more salt, and more impact for the Kingdom of Heaven in your community and in mine! Will you join me in a prayer of faith for a transformed life, for greater impact, and for increased fruitfulness?

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for Jesus’ example and words of challenge and encouragement. May my friends and I be more than leafy trees by the side of the road. May we truly be fruitful for the needs of others, brighter-than-ever lights in the darkness, and salt to season and preserve the lives of our families, neighborhoods, and communities! Amen!