Jesus came to the fig tree to look for something to eat and did not find any figs. From afar off, the tree look green and attractive, drawing Christ close to it. Upon further inspection, he found nothing but leaves on it, not even unripe fruit. Imagine if that figtree represented the body of Christ.
As they left Bethany the next day, he was hungry. Off in the distance he saw a fig tree in full leaf. He came up to it expecting to find something for breakfast, but found nothing but fig leaves. (It wasn’t yet the season for figs). He addressed the tree: “No one is going to eat fruit from you again—ever!” And his disciples overheard him. Mark 11:12-14.
The church is hungry
You and me represent that fig tree. Psalm 1:1-3 says A man who delights in the law of the Lord [believer] is like a tree planted by the streams of water which yields its fruit in season [emphasis mine]. We are responsible for producing fruit to feed the body of Christ (the church). As contradictory as this may sound, we are the fruit that feeds and makes up the body of Christ.
Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus understood this too well. He talks about the various gifts given to man in the body of Christ and explains the purpose of those gifts. Ephesians 4:11-14 says the gifts are to be used to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. We are starving the church because we are all trying to be like everyone else but ourselves.
It’s a serious identity crisis. We try to mimic the environment as was the case for the fig tree. Where has the anointing gone? Where are the miracles? Where is the love and image of Christ? Like Paul, when you finally mean the words “it is no longer I that lives but Christ”, and choose to die to self, it is expedient to produce fruit all the time. The environment only becomes a restriction you allow.
Many “look” Christian with no evidence of it
The systems of men have become a facade for the church and now it is operating by potentiality and not power. Our churches are now governed by regulations that have the appearance of wisdom, yet have their self-imposed worship, false humility and harsh treatment of the body (the people of God) and yet lacking restraint in sensual indulgence Colossians 2:23.
This has led many non-Christians to echo Mahatma Gandhi`s words, “I like your Christ but I don`t like your Christian. There is so much deception we put out. Drawing people to the church and yet there is no growth taking place. Most church members have the ‘Christian look’ without evidence to affirm that. Some people have not matured since they started following Christ.
Then we got into the routine of going to church because it looks ‘good’. Yes you may be serving, but is it effective? Are there results? Fruits? What is your intention? God is asking me and you today what fruit we are bringing into the kingdom?
The church of Christ has torn itself apart. Whilst the doctrine at the core of most churches is correct, the systems of men have corrupted and destroyed the truth the body walks on.
Many denominations are judging each other based on regulations they have adopted, and hence have shifted the focus of the entire body of Christ. Modern day Christians are surfing on “I believe” waves without demonstration, “preach” sensations without transformation, “take all of me Lord”, without true surrender.
Fruit is expected in and out of season
You may wonder why Jesus cursed the fig tree if it was not the season for it to produce fruit. Here is why; as children of the light we are expected to be ready in and out of season. Whilst reiterating Psalm 1:1-3, to much is given, much is required. There is an expectation from God for every Christian in their walk of faith.
Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree for the reason he explicitly explains in John 15:2. Disciples of Christ that remain in Him and Him in them are expected to produce much fruit John 15:5,8 as an instruction the man received in Eden. There should be results, evidence and alignment. If this does not happen, they are cut off the supply and thrown into the fire.
Makes one wonder if Jesus is still in some of our churches today. I can guarantee you this is why the modern church is ineffective. In Matthew 21:43, Jesus says, “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” Chapter 25:29 of the same book also says “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.” Matthew 25:29
God created us to be fruitful, it’s in our DNA. Break out of the mediocrity of the carnal man that goes to great lengths to part with your true self. Examine yourself, God instructs to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you ; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. ‘ 2 Corinthians 13:5 So until each mans actions glorify Christ, can we start feeding a starving church. The church is made of individuals and each member has a role to play.
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