In Matthew 21 it is written:
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry.
19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.
Jesus had just cleansed the Temple the day before and spent the night in Bethany. He made it quite clear that men were not reverencing the House of Prayer and had turned it into a den of thieves. This is one aspect of walking in Love people have a hard time with since they have been led to believe that Love will never evoke judgment. However we must embrace all aspects of Love, even those words we don’t want to hear. Instead of rejecting words meant for discipline and correction, we should embrace them and change. If we think we have arrived at the fullness of maturity on this very day… think again.
Jesus was subjected to like passions as we are yet He did not submit to them. He suffered hunger and sorrow as He walked the earth so we have no excuse when it comes to following the commands of Jesus. All the sins of the world were heaped on Him so He does understand our sufferings and situations actually better than we do.
People like to restrict the meaning of the fig tree to refer only to Israel in the above verse but we know Scripture is multifaceted and draws parallels to the personal level. Men often suffer times of judgment in days versus countries suffering in years. The point is that Jesus expects fruit from a fruit tree and if it doesn’t produce good fruit it is no longer needed for its purpose was not fulfilled. There is a time allowed for immaturity but ultimately we should be producing fruit for the Kingdom. If not, we will be judged in a righteous manner.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”
21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Jesus’ judgment directed toward the fig tree was immediate. When the time comes where we are reckoned to be mature we become subject to FATHER’S righteous judgment. Yes, HE is longsuffering but there comes a point when we should be fulfilling our purpose given to us when we were formed in the womb.
Jesus’ words had the power of faith backing them when He spoke to that fig tree. The power and authority from Heaven was and is in full force to fulfill FATHER’S Divine Intent. Our words of faith will have that same power and authority when we are fully aligned with FATHER’S Divine Intent expressed through us by HIS SPIRIT. There is nothing too big which cannot be changed in a moment when the Word originating in Heaven are spoken on earth. HIS Ways supersede every aspect of existence on earth.
Jesus promotes prayer and communion with FATHER. Faith comes as we pray and commune with FATHER for our prayers acknowledge our relative position to HIM and speaks to the reality that FATHER has the power and authority over all we ask. Jesus always directs our attention to FATHER for answers to our problems. Paul wrote in Philippians chapter 4 by THE SPIRIT:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As we pray and seek guidance from FATHER and respond accordingly our fruit will come forth. We must keep our focus on HIM and guard our hearts from the world’s impurities. As we do, our fruit will come forth for all men and women to eat and be nourished. Paul continued:
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
There will be an abundance of fruit coming forth in our lives when FATHER is with us.