All Leaves and No Fruit

Daily Reading: Matthew 21

Scripture Focus: And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. (Matthew 21.19)

Devotional Thought: "What an opportunity!"  As a hungry Jesus walked along the road, he saw a fig tree that was full of leaves and - by its appearance - full of fruit - before its season.

What was the opportunity?  It wasn't to partake of an unexpected snack, but something deeper.  The crowds were praising him with exhilaration, but his heart was heavy as he saw the cross before him.  The praises he received were hollow, for in less than a week another crowd would be gathered to call for his crucifixion.  The shouts of Jerusalem were "but only leaves.”  With the cursing of a leafy fig tree, Jesus taught that crowd that fruit was more important than leaves.

What does Jesus see when he walks among the Church today?  There are lots of leaves, aren’t there?  We show signs of life.  We have the appearance of bearing fruit.  But, are we?  All the programs and activities, all the music and messages, all the studies and meetings… Are they bearing fruit?  Or, are they simply leaves covering up the stark truth that there is no fruit on the limbs?

And, what does Jesus see when he walks by me?  Am I bearing fruit?  I may well attend church regularly and pay my tithe religiously and read my Bible faithfully.  But, what fruit are those activities bringing forth in my life?  Am I exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?  Am I actively involved in the mission of the church – making disciples – by inviting, investing and involving people in the Church?  Am I feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned? 

Prayer: Lord, it is my prayer that when you - hungry and thirsty for the souls of the lost - look at me, you will see more than leaves, more than a "form of godliness."  Help me to bear fruit.  Restore my withered roots, O Lord.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89.1-4

1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I said, "Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness."

3 You have said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant:

4 'I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah