What does God owe you?

“As they left Bethany the next day, he was hungry. Off in the distance he saw a fig tree in full leaf. He came up to it expecting to find something for breakfast, but found nothing but fig leaves. (It wasn’t yet the season for figs.) He addressed the tree: “No one is going to eat fruit from you again—ever!”  Jesus

I had a friend one time that said, “I have been poor and I have been rich.  I much prefer rich.”  I wonder what the fig tree was thinking when it was rich with beautiful abundant leaves but bankrupt of fruit. 

Then Peter said, “In the morning, walking along the road, they saw the fig tree, shriveled to a dry stick. Peter, remembering what had happened the previous day, said to him, “Rabbi, look—the fig tree you cursed is shriveled up!”

The wisest man that ever lived points out there is a time and season for everything.  Being rich and enjoying artificial abundance without fruit desired by Christ is offensive to the one that provides life.

^“Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”

So it seems, growing strong without bearing fruit describes the life of a dung beatle.  It works hard providing for its own needs, but bears no fruit fit for Christ’s appetite.  Jesus promises so much more.  The power is in prayer.  The fruit produced is worthy of His consumption.