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225. The Withering Of the Fig Tree


Jeremiah 18:1-10, Matthew 21:18-20, Mark 11:12-14
Key Verse: When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
Matthew 21:20

What a confusing story this is. It appears to be a miracle in reverse. Why would Jesus curse a fig tree, especially when it wasn't even the season for figs yet? Who is this Jesus that we are coming to know? Yesterday, we saw His righteous anger and now, today, we see Him curse a part of His very own creation.

We will be discovering other lessons from this incident in days to come. Today, however, what we should consider is similar to the lesson that Jeremiah learned from his visit to the potter's house. God told Jeremiah to visit a potter. When Jeremiah arrived, he saw a potter hard at work, creating some sort of container. Unfortunately, however, it wasn't going very well for the potter.

For some reason, the pot wasn't turning out as he wished, so that potter picked up the clay, 
made it a lump and began again. The potter wasn't about to continue on with a bad job. The pots that he was making were a testimony to his talent and ability. If he created sub-standard pots, no one would buy them, but if he created good pots, they would sell, helping him financially, but also adding to his reputation as a fine craftsman as word spread about his wares. As the creator, the potter had the right to do as he wished with the clay for his glory.

We see today that it is the same with God. We don't understand the wisdom of God cursing something of His own creation, especially when it wasn't even supposed to have figs yet. But He is the creator and He has the right to do so for His glory.

It is the same with us. "For My own name's sake I delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off. See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed?? I will not yield My glory to another." (Isaiah 48:9-11) Sometimes in our walk with the Lord, we feel like the withered tree. We feel cursed, cast off and fruitless. It is hard to understand how our lives could possibly bring God glory as they are now.

Unlike the fig tree, however, our story is not over. Jesus cursed the fig tree for the lessons He could teach for God's glory. However, Jesus did not die for the fig tree, but He did die for you to give you a "Hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) When you can trust that what is happening to you is to make you more glorious for His reputation, you can more easily let go of your plans and your ways and embrace His. Remember, He is the potter. You are the clay. Trust in what He is doing and someday, you will reflect His glory more brightly than you ever could on your own. 

 Hymn: "Have Thine Own Way, Lord"

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