Devotion for Tuesday, March 4, 2025

“Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry.  And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered” (Matthew 21:18-19).

The lesson here is not the disappointment of Jesus, but the reality that a tree which does not do what it was created to do and does not serve a purpose.  We were created, and have the opportunity to become children of God.  If we will not bear fruit befitting the kingdom of God, what good are we?  This world is filled with self-centered people who act as though they are the center of all things.  It is not about you or me, but about the One who calls us to Himself.

Lord, there are many lessons You teach about how we are to live into the new life You give by grace.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly submit to the life You are calling me to live.  Let me grow in You, and in that growing, bear the fruit that You will call me to bear.  Where I am unwilling, remove my unwillingness.  Where I need pruning, help me to be willing to be pruned.

Lord Jesus, with many parables You have called me to be intentional about the life You have given me by grace through faith.  Guide me to live this life no matter what it takes.  Help me to understand that I must be about the business of being what I proclaim when I say I am Christian.  It is about You and what You are doing in me.  Help me to focus upon You in thought, word, and deed.  Amen.