The Fig Tree That Did Not Produce Fruit

By Mary Vee
Luke 12:54- 13

From Luke's Journal 

Outskirts of Jerusalem- Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Luke, I am a follower of Jesus. I have recorded what I witnessed. The chosen disciples of Jesus are here with me as well. 

What I like about Jesus' teachings is how they speak to the heart of the people. He truly understands them and knows how to help them understand God. 

A crowd had gathered around Jesus anxious to hear him speak. Jesus said, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, 'It is going to rain' and it does. When the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. 

"How is it that you can understand the weather by looking at the sky and earth and not see what is happening at this time, all around you?

"Why do you take your arguments to a court instead of trying to reconcile with the one you have a dispute. If you don't attempt to resolve the problem, the other person may drag you to see the judge. The judge might turn you over to the officer, and the officer might throw you into prison. If the situation goes this way, and it can, you will not get out of prison until you have paid the last penny."

Some men who stood in the crowd had a question. They chose one from their group to ask. He said, "What do you say about the Galileans who while they worshipped in the temple were struck dead by Pilate? He mixed their blood with the blood of his sacrifices." 

Jesus answered, "Are you saying these Galileans sinned more than any other Galilean because they suffered in this way? No. Not at all Unless you repent, each one of you, will also die. There were eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them. They were no more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem. This you must know, though, unless you repent of your sins, you too will die."

To help them understand, Jesus told them this story:"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. Three years later, at the time of harvest, the man went to the tree to look for fruit but didn't find any. 

"He said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years I have come to this fig tree looking for fruit and haven't found any. Cut it down. Why should it use the soil?

"The caretaker of the vineyard said to the owner, 'Sit. Leave the tree alone for one more year. I will dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, the wait will be worth your time. If not. Then it will be cut down.

"So also will your lives be."

As for me, Luke, a follower of Jesus Christ, I have made my choice. 

I have chosen to follow in the ways of Christ and to show the fruit of my belief in Him. 



I will share more of what Jesus taught next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Prophet Joel

By Mary Vee
Joel 1,2

From the Scrolls of Joel the Prophet

While king Joash was still very young, famine broke out in the country. Queen Athaliah, and kings before her had led the people away from worshiping the Almighty. No one cared to follow the ways given by David and Moses. 

I believe Joash will lead the people back to worshiping God, but this will take time.

God sent me with a warning to give the people. If they listened and turned from their wicked ways, the famine would end. Here is what God had me say:

I am writing to warn everyone of what you need to do.

Look about you at the horrible damage done by the locust. They have eaten all our crops, and what the adult locusts didn't eat, their young have devoured. 

Wake up, everyone and look around you. A nation has invaded our land. It is powerful with its vast army.

Morn, turn from your wicked ways. 

The vines, wheat, barley, pomegranates, palm and apple tree have all dried up or have been eaten. We will starve.

Call a holy fast, call everyone to the house of the Lord your God and cry out to the Lord.

The food has been cut off. The storehouses are in ruins. How the cattle cry for food, even the sheep are suffering. 

Oh, Lord, I call out to you. Fire has devoured the open pastures and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. The wild animals pant in want for a drink. The streams have dried up.

Blow the horns, sound the alarm.

Let all who live in the land tremble for the day of the Lord is coming. 

It is close at hand

Who can endure it?

"Even now," says the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning."

Tear your heart and not your clothes. 

Return to the Lord your God 

for he is gracious and compassionate, 

slow to anger 

and abounding in love. 

He will stop all the trials. 

Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing.

*********************************************
1. Who is the prophet giving the warning?
2. What is happening in the land?
3. What does God want the people to do?
4. If the people obey, what will the Lord do?