|
We revisit the story of the fig tree and look at the second lesson that surfaced in my reading of the key scriptures: " When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, 'May no one ever eat fruit from you again.' And his disciples heard him say it." (Mark 11:12-14 NIV)
In a nutshell from Part 1:
* Jesus and His disciples leave Bethany on a journey.
* Jesus was hungry and goes to a fig tree hoping to get some fruit.
* Finding that the tree did not have fruit, He cursed the tree.
* His disciples heard him utter that statement, clearly.
Allow me to add one more point to our message in Part 1. It is important for us to note that Jesus addressed that specific fig tree (“Then he said to the tree”), and not to “trees”. I shudder to think what may have happened if he said to the trees…!
Let us now look at part 2 of our message…
Our key scripture is as follows: "When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!' 'Have faith in God,' Jesus answered." (Mark 11:19-22 NIV)
Jesus and His disciples left Jerusalem that evening, after driving out the money changers and others from the temple courts. He also taught the people and they were amazed by his teaching. The next morning on their onward journey they happened to go past the same fig tree (See Mark 11:13), 24 hours later. The point that stands out for me was this: “Peter remembered and said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!'" (Mark 11:21 NIV).
Peter was shocked and amazed when he noticed that the fig tree that Jesus spoke to the previous morning, had withered and died. This is the same Peter who was being discipled, trained, taught and spent much time with Jesus, yet he was amazed and shocked. Peter and many others, even disciples today stand amazed at the miracles of Jesus. Nothing wrong with that! However, we need to remember that it is Jesus being spoken about. There is authority and power in what He says and does. We need to note and know what the Word of God says. There is power in the Word and the Word/truth sets free.
One may reflect and perhaps question why we, the Church today, do not see many healings and miracles take place? There has to be a missing link!
Jesus, having heard Peter was quick to respond and address the missing link, viz. “'Have faith in God,' Jesus answered." (Mark 11:22 NIV).
Perhaps the Church, leaders and disciples today miss this key point. We have failed to give Jesus and the Holy Spirit due recognition of the supernatural workings and the power of God. We may not have taken cognizance of Jesus being the Word and there is power in His Word. We may have lost sight that we are expected to trust, believe in and have faith in Jesus in all circumstances.
Let us examine the Bible and look at a few references that may encourage and propel us to see healings and miracles in our midst in the Church and elsewhere.
- Jesus in Mark 11:23 said, "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." (NIV). If we speak to the mountain and command it to be cast into the sea, it will happen. Just believe and have faith in God.
- Moses speaks to the rock and water gushes out. (See Numbers 20:8)
- Ezekiel speaks to dead bones and they came to life. (See Ezekiel 37:1-10)
We need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the truth in 1 John 4:4: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (NIV)
Our lives and ministry and the Church too will never be the same when we grasp this truth. We forget and miss the authority, presence and power of God when we receive Jesus into our lives at salvation.
Jesus assures us that He will never leave nor forsake us (See Hebrews 13:5). We are a force to be reckoned with. We have power and authority vested in us and there is power in our tongues (see Proverbs 18:21). We need to have faith, trust and believe Jesus and use our mouths to speak life, and at times, death in circumstances that confront us and others accordingly.
Let us be expectant when we pray about something or for someone. Do not doubt! When there is an answer to prayer, do not be shocked. It is what Jesus wants to do in and through you. Just give thanks and glory to God.
Today, Let’s step out on our journey and in faith, speak to mountains and giants to move in the name of Jesus! Speak to rocks to bring forth water and life. Speak life into ‘dry-bone’ situations. Allow the Holy Spirit to quicken, empower and guide us and prepare us to be used mightily for the glory of God and to advance His Kingdom.
Ronnie Naidoo
|
