Fruitlessness Judged! Faith Rewarded!

Matthew 21:20-22  

"And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, 

ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto 

this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."  

    Christ returned in the morning to Jerusalem, because He had work to do there. "Note," what took place when Jesus cleansed the Temple the day before, (Matt. 21:12-17). We must never be driven off from our duty either by the malice of our foes, or the unkindness of our friends. Though He knew that in this city bonds and afflictions did abide Him, yet none of these things moved Him.
    As Christ went, He hungered. He was a Man, and submitted to the infirmities of nature; He was an active Man, and was so intent upon His work, that He neglected His food, and came out, fasting; for the zeal of God's house. Christ meat and drink was to do His Father's will. He was a poor Man, and had no present supply; He was a Man that pleased not himself, for He would willingly have eaten the green raw figs for his breakfast, No matter how much He desired to have a warm meal.
    "Can you see Christ justice," He went to it, expecting fruit, because it had leaves; but, finding none, He sentenced it to a everlasting barrenness. The miracle had its significance, as well as others of His miracles. All Christ's miracles were for the good of men, and proved the power of His grace and blessing (the sending the devils into the herd of swine was but a permission). 
    All Christ did was for the benefit and comfort of His friends, none for the terror or punishment of His enemies; but now, at last, to show that all judgment is committed to Him, and that He is able not only to save, but to destroy; Christ gave a specimen of the power of His wrath and curse; and the Fig tree set forth an example. Christ never has placed wrath on any man, woman, or child, because the great day of His wrath is not yet come,  Come, learn a parable of the fig tree, (Matt. 24:32; Luke 13:6).
Amen!

Reading: Matt. 21:12-27 
Ref: HG SB

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr. 

The Cross Life Ministry