And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. -Matthew 21:19

Good morning and happy hump day to you!

 After Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem the disciples spent the night in Bethany perhaps returning the borrowed donkey. 

The following morning, on the way back to Jerusalem, the Lord noticed a fig tree and approached it, expecting to find fruit—a fair expectation, as it was the season for figs.

However, instead of fulfilling its natural purpose, the tree stood bare and unproductive. Like the unprepared virgins without oil, the tree failed in its design. So, as a potter does with flawed clay, the Creator returned the vessel to the wheel for reshaping.

Later that evening, as they left Jerusalem, Peter was astonished to see that the very same tree had withered.

Beloved, when we operate outside of our intended purpose, we may appear to thrive—producing leaves instead of fruit. But while leaves might offer appearance or shade, they neither nourish nor build up others.

In the earlier parable of the fig tree, Jesus spoke of a tree granted multiple seasons to bear fruit. Yet, when it remained barren, it was ultimately cut down and used as firewood.

In the end, we are each faced with a choice: to be fruitful—or to become firewood.

#prayforthepeaceofIsrael 

God bless you and command your day!!!

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