Former Blackout Artist

“The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” – Mark 11:20-21

Fig trees were a popular source of inexpensive food in Israel, but they require three years from the time they are planted until they can bear fruit. When fully ripe, each tree can yield a great amount of fruit twice per year – late spring and early fall. The encounter Jesus had with this particular fig tree occurred early in the spring season when the leaves were beginning to bud. The figs normally grow as the leaves fill out, but despite this trees ripe appearance, it had yet to produce any fruit.

The fig tree that Jesus cursed is a metaphor for our faith. Just as the tree was supposed to bear fruit, our faith should produce visible, tangible results in our lives. We are called to live lives that glorify God and bear witness to His power and love. But when our faith is stagnant and fruitless, we weaken the witness of Christ in our lives.

Today, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of life and forget about our purpose in Christ. We may put on a good show of attending church, participating in small groups, and going about our daily rituals and routines, but if our hearts are not truly tuned to God, our faith will not bear fruit. We may do good works, but unless they stem from a heart transformed by Christ, they are meaningless.

Jesus replied to Peter, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:22-24)

Jesus went on to tell his disciples to have faith in God. He encouraged them to have the kind of faith that not only speaks to mountains, but commands them to move. When we have faith in God, we are confident that our prayers and works will be fruitful. We are sustained by our belief that God is with us and will not let us fail.

So take heart, dear friends! Let us nurture and cultivate our faith, trusting in God who calls us to bear fruit. Let us remember that faith without works is dead, and let us be vigilant in ensuring that our faith produces a harvest of righteousness. May we not be like the fig tree that withers and dies, but instead, let us be rooted deeply in Christ, always bearing fruit that glorifies His name.

Call to Action:

• How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God’s plan for my life, even when things don’t go according to my own plans or desires?
• In what areas of my life am I holding onto my own will and not submitting fully to God’s guidance and direction?
• What practical steps can I take today to surrender more fully to God’s will and seek His wisdom and guidance in all areas of my life?