The Fruits

He approached the imposing tree with hope in his eyes. He was hungry.He had a mission to complete and he couldn’t focus on the daunting task ahead with a hollow belly.The tree proudly waved its branches in the strong Bethany wind inviting all to come and be filled with fruit from its bosom.It wasn’t the season for figs and he knew it. Nevertheless, the foliage bloomed with promise. It couldn’t possibly have nothing to show for.He therefore approached it searching for the golden globes of succulent fruit.
You can therefore visualize the furrows forming on his face as anger consumed him when his search yielded nothing. You can imagine his lips contorted in indignation when he found only leaves.You can hear his voice bellowing above the din of the noisy Jerusalem-Bethany road as he declared, “None shall eat fruit from you again!”
Undeterred by the disappointment, he soldiered on to Jerusalem braving the hot Judean sun which added to his list of woes. It was spring cleaning day at the temple.Its custodians had lost sight of its purpose and were abusing it.His Father’s house would be used for what it was built for.With the same zeal exhibited when cursing the fig tree he drove off the racketeers and forex exchange handlers who had replaced would be spiritual pilgrims looking for their leap of solace from the trials of first century city life in a Roman colony.
He came, did his time and got out. Of course by now you know the tree had already started withering. Him with authority to shake the temple could shake a mere tree. What could stop him? The fullness of Deity existed in his very being.
Pardon me for beating about the bush. I’ll hit the target. He planted you and gave you all you required to be productive. If you pretend to produce but don’t, the words directed at the tree could be redirected to you.
Yes. This goes for every area in your life. Remember he took a talent from a servant who didn’t reproduce, and gave it to one whose returns were ten times more. He isn’t too shy to repeat such an episode. Use all your gifts well, you have His full backing to produce fruit that will ensure you reflect his radiance.
My second point, you will not be abused by anyone including yourself. His body, which carried his presence is now you. He who cleaned the temple wants to clean your temple. Clues of His divine presence are imprinted in your soul. His fingerprint is tattooed in you coz he’s laid ownership to you. You are His, act like it. Dance to his tune, move to his beat, and you’re guaranteed to stay on life’s course. Change the music, face the music, stray from your course.

Adapted from The Bible: Mark 11:12-21, Luke 19:12:26

Questions Questions, and no answers

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I stepped out into our backyard. It wasn’t to catch the lovely breeze present, or look at the stunning silver moon, sparkling with rays of light striking the concrete below. It was to search for answers,to look up to the heavens,to listen to The Voice in the still night, hoping for rays of wisdom to illuminate the darkness within.My petition was the same as yesterday. Have I been forgotten? Is the promise lost in limbo? Today I wasn’t turning back till I get something concrete.

As promised, The Voice spoke. It was muffled by the wind, but I knew and understood. He had said I would always recognize it because I belong to him. He asked, “Why the memory lapse?Have you forgotten your past?How I took a broken and crushed soul, sunk in a well, thinking that it would find life, fresh water, only to find that it was the dry well of despair?How I replaced what you lost and gave you a new lease of life, of hope which you had lost because of searching in the wrong places?”

“True” ,I replied. ”But why the storms? Why the wind which even stifles your voice? Why the fire?”Son, he replied, travel with me back in time. I’ll expound on what history didn’t.Raging winds in the Indian Ocean,the Monsoon winds,gave birth to the ancient cities along East Africa.The Africans saw raging storms that dampen their way of life,the Arabs and Asians saw Trade winds. New opportunities, horizons, lands and wealth they could explore traveling by these winds. Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, rich city states,were born from windy seasons.

As the winds came some fishermen complained of lost opportunity, while others discovered new schools of fish, clutching the humps of the waves.

And the fire? We go back again to the era your clan was famed for forging iron weapons.They had to temper them in flames till ready.Weapons that had impurities wouldn’t last long in the heat of the battle. You, are undergoing that process.You see, I discovered dross in you and now I need the pure silver in you. I refine you because I want you just the way I made you, with a pure heart, a loving spirit, a prudent mind. Allow me to remove the impurities you picked up from your past.It hurts a bit, but will hurt more later if I don’t do it.

As three young men in Babylonia ;Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego discovered, the fire wont destroy you, but glorify me through you. If you look closely you’ll see me in it. I was always there, just like the time my 12 apprentices 2000 years ago thought the boat could sink in a storm with me in it.

My eyes are opening.But how do I continue in this journey.I feel so weak?

The Voice, now more audible said,”You feel, but are not.I didn’t make you weak. Continue walking by my side, continue listening.Throw your net at my command, not at your judgment.And always remember, I’m after fruit which I know you can produce.I therefore must prune.And in a little while, the harvest season will come, and you’ll be glad you walked alongside me.