THE FRUITLESS TREE
Mark 11:13-14: And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. in response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.
The primary purpose of any tree is FRUITFULNESS and a good tree is known by the quality of the 'fruits' it bears and based on the capabilities of the tree, its fruits- these encompass everything that the tree brings forth- could serve as food, shelter, etc. It (the tree) basically sustains life. What then is the essence of a tree that has failed in its purpose? - It is simply good for nothing.
Let me drive this home: Man has been planted by the Creator to take root and stand in the area where he will thrive. However, the unfortunate reality [with man] is that he finds it hard to discover and express what has been deposited on his 'inside' hence becoming less productive and failing to feed the world with his fruit.
God, who made us, is result-oriented- though He is patient with us; he expects us to be fruitful and multiply...He desires that we give Him pleasure as He awaits the return on His investment- man. Therefore, failing to act in line with this [glorious] vision alienates us from the will of God. We become just a 'tree' with nothing tangible to impact on the world...the inability to allow your talent find expression gets a firm grip on you and you eventually get old and die with 'dead or rotten fruits'...how tragic! That fruit was never meant for the grave; it was never given to beget wretchedness...it has been given to enrich the world here and now.
It's time to refocus
At this point, I will like to charge you to examine your life and see if you are really living or just existing- going about your work or [earthly] sojourn with no real sense of who they are or what they should actually be doing; are you taking root and bearing fruits or just 'occupying the space'? Is your life reviving a soul? Should you be found wanting [in being fruitful], it is pertinent to tell you this: It's time to refocus and let out the junk. You might have been lost in the thought that it's too late to learn something new or go for that career change you desire...it's time to refocus your energy- from being doubtful and negative to being positive and thus becoming productive. Awaken those things you have left dormant over the years and delight yourself in the glorious future before you. It's time to inject some freshness into your life and start bearing fruits...this is your moment- use it wisely.
Paraphrasing the words of my pastor: "If you being alive say: 'it's too late'; what should the dead say?" You have got this moment...use it...make it count and stop acting dead!