He's looking for the fruit of the Spirit. He's needs it now. He's hungry for it now! Where are you at?

David Evans
David Evans

If you and I could go back in time to see Jesus in real life I think we may be shocked. Lots of people were continually offended by him and repulsed by his ways. He publicly called a woman a dog and asked others to actually drink his flesh and eat his blood. Only the few who were entrusted to Him stood with Him through those moments. Most people only saw the serious preacher/teacher healer side of Him. Only the ones really close to Him had fun and freedom with Him. But I think He was at His scariest when He confronted one of 'the close ones', one of His own. "Get behind me Satan" he openly said to Peter. You see, when Jesus draws a line in the sand with one of 'His own' it's really really serious.

With this in mind I want you to recall the story when Jesus did an extraordinary thing with a fig tree. WARNING - There is a prophetic message hidden in this story that scares me to death. I believe that if you 'receive' this message you will see a side of Jesus that will shock you. Shock you into fruitfulness. Shock you and impact you so much that you will need to do something quickly about your relationship with Jesus.

Remember the fig tree story? Mark 11: 12-14 ....'Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. 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.' The story goes on to say that the fig tree literally dries up almost immediately. God spoke to me prophetically through this story to warn me and other Christians to the serious side of our saviour.

Basically it's like this: You and I are the fig tree. I believe there is a time in a Christian's life when Jesus stops everything and demands something from us. A time where he draws a line in the sand and says enough is enough. No more patience, grace or endurance. It's a defining moment in your life when He demands that you produce. You see, He's looking for fruitfulness. He's hungry to see the fruit of your life. What have you done for Him lately and have you really changed like you said you would? Have you done what He's asked you to do? He's looking for the fruit of the Spirit. He's needs it now. He's hungry for it now! Will He find that you are just a tree with a lot of external leaves but nothing to show! If you are and don't quickly do something about it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."

Now I think I've produced a lot of fruit in my life. You may think the same but what about now? You may argue "It's just a season, I'll get back into it soon." How long has it been? Jesus didn't care if it was the season for figs or not; He wanted fruit there and then. Doesn't that sound shockingly unfair! No not really. We are told to be ready in season and out of season! (2 Tim 4: 2). The call of God to bare fruit doesn't have holidays and isn't seasonal. Your past exploits doesn't matter today. He's hungry now! Yes - you were younger then, but your past credibility or rep will not carry your ability to influence for ever. A line has been drawn.

Remember the story of the talents? 3 guys received money from their master and were told to do something with it. When the master returned he found one of them hid it and did nothing. I'm sure that servant was productive all the other times while working for the master, but this time he was found wanting. And what did the master say - words to the effect of; I've lost patience with you, give me what you have and I'll give it to another. Wow! Luke 19: 24-27 "Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.' "'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!' "He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.

Your past exploits was one thing but if you aren't baring fruit now and have nothing to show - even what you think you have will be taken away! God will give your mantel to another! You will never be able to influence others again. No one will ever eat fruit from you again. A line has been drawn.

Shocked?

Do something! CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.