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Divine service from 2022 Spring Vision Newsletter
Mark 11:13-14
And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.
How is this experience in the life of Christ relevant for us? We should consider ourselves to be the fig trees that Jesus surveys. At first, He sees the leaves, that which is apparent – our behavior, how we look and act at home, in church, in the community. But then He looks closer to see if there is something more – some fruit! Perhaps one may feel it is not important how I look, what I do – the Lord only looks on the inside. Yet, a tree needs both – leaves and fruit. Both elements must match – the content of our heart must match our behavior.
What is the fruit that Jesus looks for?
A deep, living faith: During Jesus’ time, many experienced Him as a miracle worker; they believed that He should make their lives better. But Jesus is looking for a deeper faith, one that understands why He came to earth – for our salvation! How we apply the gospel in every part of our lives is the measurement of our faith.
…for it was not the season for figs… Curiously, Jesus still expected figs. Jesus is looking for a living faith, even if it seems “out of season” - because it is too hard to apply the gospel in this or that situation. Yet, the gospel always applies in every season. Forgiveness is always in season; God forgives us at all times when we repent, so we should also forgive others. Perhaps we think it’s not the time for truth because it will cause a problem or be uncomfortable. However, it’s always the season to speak the truth in love.
- True love: Jesus looks for deep, enduring love that serves. The measurement of our love? We serve only out of love, not for our own interests or reward. We might think, I have no money, I have no time – it’s not the season to offer or serve. But we must realize, Jesus already gave everything on the cross. He loved us first. Thus, there is always a good reason for serving Christ as a response to the greatest love that He has shown us, not as a means for blessing or increase.
- Oneness: Jesus said: I wanted to gather them…but they would not. He prayed to His Father – make them one, as We are one. We can measure our unity be asking -what am I willing to sacrifice for unity? Do I suffer when another suffers? Or rejoice when another is rejoicing? Jesus wants all; it is in season to love all, despite our differences and diversity.
- Newness: Jesus looks for development, evolution, newness – that something is changing in us. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit – have we allowed Him to transform us? The measurement is simply – am I the same way I was a year ago, five years ago? Empowered with the rebirth of water and Spirit, even through difficult days, it is the season to grow into the mind of Christ and be new.
Jesus looks for fruit – true faith and love, unity, and transformation – in our Christian behavior and living…