Scripture: “On the following day, when they came from Bethany, (Jesus) was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it.
When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves (for it was not the season for figs). And (Jesus) said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it…
As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.
And Peter remembered and said to (Jesus), “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered. And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:12-14 and 20-22)
Observation: Let’s see: Jesus was hungry; fig tree didn’t have fruit; Jesus cursed the tree. Later, everyone saw the fig tree withered. In between Jesus threw the moneychangers out of the temple and afterward taught about having faith as a mustard seed (out of Matt and Luke). So how do these sections fit together?
Analysis: Here is my astute analysis: Beat’s me.
Really. That’s all I have. I have been thinking about this since the past Sunday wondering what is being taught with the story of the fig tree.
I had a pretty bad day at work yesterday and to keep from grinding about the situation and growing bitter with every nuance and thought through the night, I forced thinking about this Fig Tree into my brain and continually asking “What is up with this, Lord?”
When my thoughts started to wander back, I grabbed hold and got them back on the track I chose about the fig tree.
What I am remembering right now is “…take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5b)
Did I come up with anything about the discourse starting with “Being hungry” and ending with “tossing mountains in the sea” and dealing with temple businessmen inbetween? No, I didn’t. Had some observations that I tossed from considering because there must be something I am missing, but really: I am dry.
What I think I learned: 1) Not everything is clear, this is what meditation and study are about, and; 2) disciplining the noggin to take every thought captive is hard but not impossible in Christ.
Prayer: Lord, I am still grinding away at “taking every thought captive” in your Name. It is one thing not to dishonor You with visible actions, it is another thing to not dishonor you where only You can see—like my heart and mind. It is another aspect of “walking worthy of the Gospel”, isn’t it?
Help me do the right thing concerning the issue confronting me. O Lord, thank you for my wife helping guide me through this minefield. AMEN.