Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Hosanna: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem - Alternative Style of Kingship
St. Matthew 21:17-22
(v.19b) “Then He said to it, ‘may you never bear fruit again!’ Immediately the tree withered.”
When we read this passage, we see a situation in which Jesus curses a fig tree. Just reading through this passage, we would often think of why Jesus had to do this. Although it was a frustrating scenario for Jesus, in doing so He teaches us lessons. In Palestine according to some scholars, in some trees, fruit appears before the leaves. When this fig tree was seen from a distance, it was thought of as having some fruit, but it did not have any. Many times, we too are deceived by many things in life until we get a better look at them. Looks can be deceiving; as we get closer, we see the sad reality.
Sadly, trust has been a significant issue back then and even now. From a distance, many things look beautiful and promising. Yet we fall to being deceived. It is not good to hold onto this thought and blame the world around us. We can also ponder for ourselves how much we lived a life of deceiving others around us. We are all sure of the phrase ‘the first impression is the best impression’. More than that, we should also care about the consistency of being the best we can be. It doesn’t mean to be perfect but to strive to be the best that we can be for God. When Christ looks at us, what will He see in us? Are we living a life that can make Him proud or are we trying to seem perfect at a distance and living a life far from what we present to others? Remember, we can fool others, but we can never fool our God. This Lenten season should be a time for us to prune ourselves. To cut off the habits that distance us from God and to grow fruitfully for our purpose in this world which is to live for His glory. The fig tree was fruitless when Christ needed it, when Christ calls us, are we ready?
Sadly, trust has been a significant issue back then and even now. From a distance, many things look beautiful and promising. Yet we fall to being deceived. It is not good to hold onto this thought and blame the world around us. We can also ponder for ourselves how much we lived a life of deceiving others around us. We are all sure of the phrase ‘the first impression is the best impression’. More than that, we should also care about the consistency of being the best we can be. It doesn’t mean to be perfect but to strive to be the best that we can be for God. When Christ looks at us, what will He see in us? Are we living a life that can make Him proud or are we trying to seem perfect at a distance and living a life far from what we present to others? Remember, we can fool others, but we can never fool our God. This Lenten season should be a time for us to prune ourselves. To cut off the habits that distance us from God and to grow fruitfully for our purpose in this world which is to live for His glory. The fig tree was fruitless when Christ needed it, when Christ calls us, are we ready?
Prayer
Father, Sorry for not living our lives according to Your expectations, guide me to live by Your grace and mercy, to be thankful to You, and to glorify You in all that I am. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
“Have you ever noticed the difference in the Christian life between work and fruit? A machine can do work; only life can bear fruit.” — Andrew Murray
Thought for the Day
“Have you ever noticed the difference in the Christian life between work and fruit? A machine can do work; only life can bear fruit.” — Andrew Murray
Rev. Jess M. George
N.E. Region Youth Chaplain
N.E. Region Youth Chaplain