Mark 11:24”Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.”
Dear God,
I thank You for my life and this new day, as well as the ability to enjoy life, in the good times and in times of adversity.
I have often been somewhat puzzled at the story given in Mark 11: 12 – 14 “Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, ‘Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.’ And His disciples heard it.” Previously I had often wondered why was the tree was cursed, when it was not time for the tree to have fruit anyway? But I had not really thought it through.
I give thanks that through another writer, I now have a better understanding of the application for those and my times. The fig tree was apparently so full of leaves, as to indicate, that fruit was also formed, but contrary to the appearance, there was none. It can be the same for each person professing to love You and following the Christian way. We can do all the right things, and have the appearance of a being Your true follower, when in fact we manifest no fruits of the Spirit. When such a person interacts with other people, they are not warmed by Your love manifested, for though there is belief, the experience is hollow with nothing to give from You.
The lessons from the fig tree were not finished for the disciples of Jesus, or for us. V20, 21 “Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed was withered away.’” The words of Jesus spoken in faith produced the results He had asked for, amazingly quickly; for they were supernatural. The withered fig tree reinforced the teaching of the scriptures that never is hypocrisy supported, for it is harmful to that person and misrepresents You to others, to the peril of their very soul.
Jesus also drew the lesson that true genuine faith is heard by God, V22 “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God’”
Please forgive me for the times I pray with little belief and faith. I note that Moses reminded the children of Israel that You are a God of love and mercy, who delights to hear from us and bless us. We are the ones, who prevent You from hearing and answering our prayers by our own wrong doing and unbelief. Jesus after telling us to ask and believe, goes on to tell us that we must forgive anyone we have anything against, so that You our Father can forgive us, (V 25, 26).
Please show me anyone I must forgive and be my wisdom and strength, so I can discern what is in my heart and root out any bitterness and wrongdoing.
Amen