Use the links (ctrl+click) on the scriptures to access the bible verses.
Jesus’ tenth parable addresses the need for us to be result-oriented and effective in our tasks. He describes the fig tree that had not borne fruit for three years, and ordered its destruction because it occupied space, took valuable time to nurture, and was not fruitful. The gardener however, pleaded for an extra (last) year of special treatment to see if the fig tree would bear fruit.
In this parable, God the Father is the master, our Lord Jesus is the gardener, while we are the fig tree!
God created us to love Him and our neighbors, a task we continually fail at. Jesus gave His life for us, showing us the actions we should daily embrace in order to bring others to God. He continues to plead on our behalf for mercy and more time for fruit-bearing, steadfastly pruning, feeding, and guiding us by the Holy Spirit. The fruit represents those who do not yet know the saving grace of God; those we are commanded to convert and make disciples of (Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus has bought us some time to make amends, and to become fruitful fig trees again. We are to multiply, have dominion over the earth, and fill the world with the righteousness and fear of the Lord! Others are meant to smell the aroma of God on us, and embrace Him as God and King.
The big questions, however, are: are we still the unfruitful fig tree? Are we still occupying valuable space while remaining fruitless? Do we understand that we are using up our last chance which was purchased by the precious Blood of Jesus through the Cross? Do we realize that a lot is expected from us because we have been given so much? Are we mindful of the fact that the punishment for not bearing fruit is eternal destruction and habitation in Hell?
Be fruitful! Love your neighbor! Mirror Christ! Through your actions and words, bring others to God! 

Lesson of the Week

1. Win souls for God by loving others selflessly (Proverbs 11:30 & Mark 12:31).
2. The penalty for unfruitfulness is eternal damnation (Matthew 3:10).
Trees are meant to bear fruit; unfruitful trees are those who neither love others, nor win souls for Christ. They are slated for removal and burning!
God has given us so much; life, health, and wealth. He wants us to utilize these as blessings to the less fortunate. He wants us to love others as much as we love ourselves. Only in so doing can we attract others to Him.
For those of us who have given nothing back to God yet, Jesus is still interceding for us daily (Romans 8:34).
He commands us to be fruitful in His Father’s kingdom so that we are not destroyed. He reminds us today that the penalty for disobedience is death, but God’s gift to the faithful is abundant life in Christ (Romans 6:23).
Go forward from today and be fruitful; it is a matter of life and death! Love others, share your earthly and eternal gifts, bring others to Christ, and fulfill your call as an instrument of divine change. Bear fruit, and may your fruit remain.
May the Master and God of the Lord Jesus Christ abundantly equip, use, and reward your fruitfulness this week.
Blessings from His Throne!

Weekly Nugget: “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:18-20; KJV).
Dr. Kene D. Ewulu ministers from Columbia, South Carolina, The United States.
All scriptures were linked from www.biblegateway.com

Permalink