Leafy Green Nothingness

There once was a large, mature, impressive fig tree.

It was leafy and green.

A nearby stream supplied it with plenty of water; the soil around the tree was fertile and rich.

It was disease-free. The fig tree was healthy and strong.

It soaked up the warmth of the afternoon sun each day.

The tree was on a beautiful hillside between the town of Bethany and the city of Jerusalem.

It could be seen from a distance.

Jesus, while traveling to Jerusalem, noticed this great tree on the hill.

He was hungry.

When He arrived at the tree, He searched for figs—but there were only leaves.

Yup—a fig tree minus the figs… a figless tree.

Leafy green nothingness.

It was beautiful, majestic, large and impressive… but it was just a show.

Jesus cursed it. The fig tree withered and died (Matthew 21.18-20).

This story demonstrates God’s expectation for all living, growing things.

The fig tree was in violation of its creation mandate.

It was taking but not giving; receiving without passing on.

We too, share the same creation mandate—to pass on the life we have received to others.

We have received, therefore we must give.

We accepted grace.

We must give it.

We’ve been loved unconditionally.

We must love.

We are blessed.

We must bless.

We were created to be more than figless fig trees; called to be more than leafy green nothingness.

And we must pass on the life we’ve received to others!