Hello strong ones in the Lord!

 

I love Matthew's account of the fig tree INSTANTLY withering. In Matthew 21:19-21 (LEV) we read:

  • And seeing a fig tree on the roadside, He went over to it but found no fruit on it, only leaves. So He SAID to it, "By no means any longer shall fruit come from you, forever."  And INSTANTLY, the fig tree withered.  And seeing it, the disciples marveled saying, "How did the fig tree INSTANTLY wither?"

Now listen to what Jesus says:

  • Answering, Jesus said to them, "Verily I say to YOU, if ever YOU may have faith and not doubt, not only will YOU DO WHAT I DID to the fig tree, but also, if ever YOU SAY to this mountain, Be picked up, and be cast into the sea, it shall happen. And ALL THINGS, as much as YOUever request in prayer, believing, YOU SHALL GET."

What?!?  Did you just hear what Jesus said???  When was the last time you heard this message preached?  It has to be one of my favorite verses of Scripture!!! I grew up on these verses and believe them with all my heart!

First of all, I want to point out that Jesus SPOKE to a tree! You may say, "That's a little strange."  Well, have you ever been in a hurry and got stuck at a red light?  You probably SAID something like this:

  • "Ugh, couldn't you have stayed green a little longer?  I'm in a hurry!"

Secondly, I love how the Scripture says that as soon as Jesus cursed the fig tree, it INSTANTLY withered away.

You might say, "Yeah, that was Jesus!"  Well, take another look with me at what Jesus says in verses 21 and 22:

  • Answering, Jesus said to them, "Verily, I say to YOU, if ever YOU may have faith and not doubt, not only will YOU do what I did to the fig tree, but also if ever YOU SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN, be picked up, and cast into the sea, it shall happen. And ALL THINGS, as much as YOU ever request in prayer, believing YOU shall get.  

Jesus first performs a miracle, then turns around and says, "I say to YOU..."

I exhort you to ALWAYS have faith and not doubt God's Word!  If we will do what Jesus says to do, John 14:12 says that not only will we do the SAMEworks that Jesus did, but we will do GREATER works than these.

Plus, verses 13 and 14 go on to say,

  • And WHATEVER YOU ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If YOU ask ANYTHING in My Name, I will do it.

Jesus is so wonderful to us! Let's believe Him, not doubt His Word, and not forget to ASK of Him.  It is the Father's good pleasure to gives us the kingdom (Luke 12:32).

Love to you today, 

Lisa Gordon

Gordon Ministries and Jesus City Church