In Season

3/4/2017

Mark 11.13-14 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

This is only the first part of the story – the next day the fig tree was completely shriveled. But let’s deal with the first part: what Jesus said.

This is an odd story for numerous reasons: for one thing, Jesus went to find fruit on the tree but there was none, because “…it was not the season for figs.” Shouldn’t Jesus have known it wasn’t the season for figs? Sure, He should have! But the point is deeper.

Paul said to Timothy: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4.2) In other words, preach the truth, and keep on preaching the truth.

But do we need Paul to explain Jesus?

Well, if we consider who Israel was to Jesus, then it makes more sense why Jesus said to the tree what He said. I think the tree represented Israel and she hadn’t borne (born?) any fruit for a long time. Her relationship with God was that of self-righteousness, and her heart was hard toward the things of God. Yes, she appeared prosperous (she was an ag-producer of Rome), but her heart was far from prosperous in the things of God.

And it’s important to remember the treatment Jesus received from those who were supposed to be herding the hearts of the people God-ward – it was anything but godly. Her religion produced death.

It’s also important to remember who Jesus came to save: the nation of Israel. But they wanted a military and political conquest, not a revelation of God’s presence and love.

Lastly, as His children, you and I are to bear fruit in season and out; when someone is listening, and looking, and when they aren’t. We are not on this earth for a long and satisfying career of some sort with a retirement filled with the acquisition of earthly things and the appearance of religion. We are on earth to do God’s work – retirement is in Heaven.

The fruit we are to produce because we are indwelt with His Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are the things that are vastly more tangible than money, possessions, and gliding safely to the end of a ripple-free life. The tree was cursed while it lived. For us to live in ungodly self-dependence could cause the same effect…

Lord Jesus, may I bear fruit for You. I can only do that in Your presence, strength and power; but may I do that for you. I pray forgiveness for how I’ve lived and the priorities I’ve cherished. Use me Lord in Your kingdom’s work, and may I finish well – asking, in Your Name. Amen