Memory verse: Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ Luke 13: 6-9.
The story of the Fig tree is very instructive and evenly related to our lives. The fig tree was extremely important for both nutritional and economic values in ancient times. The bible used fig tree severally in the bible to depict the prosperous times and times of famine in Israel. See (1 Kings 4:25, Jeremiah 5:17).
It is important to note that, the Fig tree in our text was planted for the sole purpose of bearing fruits. When the owner of the vineyard came to take fruits from the fig tree, he was not happy that the tree had no fruits. So, he ordered the keeper of the vineyard to cut down the tree as it was using up the soil for nothing.
Coming to your own life today, are you fruitful or is your life like the fig tree? You do not exist by mistake you know, but to be purposeful and live meaningfully.
Similar to the disappointment displayed by the vineyard owner, God is displeased when we do not bear fruits expected of us. Will you be happy if you plant a tree and it fails to bear fruits for you? I bet you won’t.
Jump into action today, prepare and work towards impacting your generation positively. Do not live behind your shadows, there is more to life than just passing by. God wants you to use those skills and talents He deposited into you to change lives and build the world. Don’t wait to start tomorrow, the time is NOW!
Meditate on this:
Be fruitful with your life while it is day, for night will come when you cannot work again.
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JESUS: THE TRUE VINE (John 15:1-7)
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
It is important to understand that, the bible uses lots of parables to buttress His points. Jesus used parables to teach His disciples and the multitudes secrets of the kingdom of God. Most times, some people do not understand Christ’ parables, this is because, parables convey spiritual interpretations. That is to say that, there is usually a hidden meaning above the ordinary meaning we see in the bible.
‘“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener’ Here, Jesus Christ is The True Vine, believers in Christ are the branches, and God is the Gardener. A vine is a tree, the branches bears fruits on a tree and a gardener is a person who works in, and takes care of the trees in the garden.
The passage above, uses the analogy of a tree to explain our relationship with Jesus, and God The Father. A branch of any tree cannot function in isolation; it needs the tree to bear fruits. If a branch is cut off from a tree, the branch will die. In the same vein, a gardener walks around the garden and takes care of a good branch but removes the branch that is unfruitful.
Basically, the entire passage is teaching us, of the importance of Jesus Christ (The True Vine) in our lives. In life, we cannot achieve anything meaningful without Jesus Christ. A life without Jesus is filled with struggles and uncertainties. When a Christian tries to function on his or her own power, his/her life can never be fruitful because, it is only by the grace of God through Christ, that we can become successful in life.
Now, God expects us to be fruitful in our lives just the same way a gardener expects his trees to bear fruits for Him. How can we bear fruits? By getting connected and remaining in Jesus, the true vine. You see, God watches over those whose lives are firmly knitted together with Jesus Christ and blesses them accordingly. Verse 7 says: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done unto you’ that means, one of the benefits of remaining in Jesus Christ is, receiving answers to our prayers and much more.
Are you connected with Christ Jesus or is your life like a detached branch which is about to wither? When a life is detached from its source, it loses its glamour radiance but suffocates like a fish that is thrown out of water. You need Jesus to succeed; you need Jesus to be complete in life.
Have you answered the call to salvation? Establishing a relationship with Christ is a decision you will never regret. Contact us right away, we will be glad to help you know Jesus.
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WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
So then, every one of us shall give account of him/herself to God. Romans 14:12.
A life can only become fruitful when it fulfills or is fulfilling God’s purpose for creating it. Everything in life has a purpose, and God in His infinite wisdom designed all things to function in its place while bringing glory to Him.
The spoon in your kitchen is fulfilling its purpose anytime you eat with it. The chair in your home is fulfilling its purpose anytime you sit on it. Now, can God boast of you that, He is enjoying the benefits of creating you, the same way you are enjoying the things you bought with your money?
Come to think of it, water is created for drinking, fire is there to cook our food, the trees gives shield, brings forth fruit and is a source of wood for us, the sun brightens our day and night come so we can have rest. All the animals in the forest and the fishes in the sea remain purposeful, meeting the demands of their Creator. How about you? What are you living for?
Romans 8:19 says “For the earnest expectation of the Creature is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. You are created specifically for something very unique. You are created to be a solve a need. Have you discovered it? The reason for frustrations in life is basically, as a result of functioning in a different purpose. A life that is not fulfilling its purpose has a vacuum, it has a longing, and it is never satisfied. Even the objects that men designed have their specific purposes, how much more, men and women who are made in the image and likeness of God.
When you desire to find out the purpose and uses of a particular product, you contact the manufacturer for information. In the same way, God is the only One who can reveal your divine purpose to your heart. Do you have a relationship with Him? Do you have faith in His saving grace? Can God rightly say you are living out your purpose here on earth to please Him?
There is no time to procrastinate further. Today is that day, have a rethink, come to the Lord now and start fulfilling your purpose of being here. Let your life count for eternity.
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