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