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Is It Just Meant To Be?

It must be hard to dream for the people who believe in fate.  For those who accept that everything is meant to be, it is pointless to imagine.  Subscribing to fate and the “everything is meant to be” philosophy stifles one’s imagination and negates possibility thinking, doesn’t it?

God gave human beings something far beyond what He gave the animals.  We have the ability to reason and choose our own thoughts.  And very few realize just how powerful our own thoughts are, and how dramatically our own thoughts effect our lives.

Those who are locked into fate can only hope that they are on the right track.  In other words, nothing they do will ultimately change their lives. All they can do is hope that their life is not as bad as other people’s lives.  That is not really living, is it?

But, those who understand that they don’t have to settle, and that they can have hope for something better, have genuine goals and desires. They have imagination and inspiration.  They grab hold of life and say, “Let’s see how far I can go!”

That kind of thinking, along with subsequent related actions, is possibility thinking, inspired by the freewill to choose thoughts. Possibility thinkers understand how vital and critical their own thoughts really are.  They are aware that they determine their own barriers or limits.

Barriers

It is really impossible to go beyond the barriers or limits that you build in your own mind and choose to believe. Regardless of the reason why, your mental barrier is yours; you built it and you own it.  You may have all kinds of reasons to justify your barrier, including others who concur, but it is still the barrier or limit that you built.

Countless examples exist of people who because of the odds, physical limitation, or any number of variables, would have been completely justified in building a barrier or limit in their mind. But they did not. They faced and overcame their challenges.  We all have a choice to think whatever thoughts we choose to think.  Those thoughts will either construct barriers, or construct possibilities; the choice is always ours.

What did Michael Jordan construct in his mind after he was cut from his high school basketball team?  He could have accepted his “fate” and moved on.  But he is now one of the greatest basketball players of all time.  He once said, “Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it, and that usually got me going again.”

Want to know who failed sixth grade? He was subsequently defeated in every election for public office until he became Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 62. His name was Winston Churchill and he wrote, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, never, never, never give up.”

Abraham Lincoln’s life was anything but success for many, many years.  He failed in business and he was defeated in public elections, over and over.  And yet, today he remains one of the greatest presidents of the United States.

A young boy wanted to be the ball boy for a Davis Cup tennis match.  He was rejected on the grounds that he was too awkward and clumsy.  That young boy was Stan Smith who went on to win Wimbledon, the U. S. Open, and, eight Davis Cups.

What Is Your Opinion?

The opinions we carry of ourselves, along with the things that we say to ourselves about ourselves, who we are and what we can do, are literally life changing.  And, as Christians, we not only have the ability to build mental possibilities instead of mental barriers, but God has given us His spirit.  That means that He can communicate to us and give us the wisdom we need for our journey in life.

We can just accept our fate and choose to believe that everything that happens is just, “meant to be.” Or, with God on our side, we can choose to put in the effort and determination to make our dreams come true.  What’s your choice?

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Do You Rely On Luck Or Fate?
What’s In Your Fortune Cookie?
What’s Your Fate?

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Reeds And Flax Part 2

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

In Part 1, we looked at the eastern idiom of, “a bruised reed.”  If you haven’t read that yet, just scroll down and read Part 1 first.

What Is The Smoking Flax?

The second idiom in Isaiah 42:3 is “the smoking flax.”  The verse says, “…and the smoking flax shall he not quench.”

In the times of the Bible, the people believed if there was a light in their home, God was there; the light represented God’s presence.  And so, every home always had a light in the house, even through the night. In Bible times of course they didn’t have electricity, so they utilized oil lamps.

They would put oil into the shallow container and then use a flax wick.  If the oil ran out then the wick would be smoking and stinking because of no oil.  Specific duties for men and women were important, and one of the woman’s duties was to keep oil in the lamp.

If on occasion the oil ran out during the night, the husband, smelling the smoke would wake his wife so that she could go and add oil.   If the woman was tired or lazy, instead of finding the oil and adding it, she would just take off the burned smoldering part of wick. Quenching the smoking flax and just throwing that part out was simply a temporary solution.  And, she might even light the fresh part of the flax wick.  But it would then still be a burning empty wick and it would still stink.

What Makes Us Stink?

Being negative is to stink.  Here in the United States we have an idiom: change your stinking thinking.  In the east the saying is, “a negative person is the biggest stink there is in the world.”

“I can’t; I can’t.”  “This is too hard.”  “Nothing works out for me.”  “Things in my life just don’t go right and they will probably get worse.”  All negative.

Negative people are always disturbed, dejected, and full of despair.  Their problems continue to sink them lower into stinking negativity.

In this stinking condition, they don’t think properly; they are full of fear and anxiety.  They epitomize despondency.  And beware: they are not the kind of people you go to for advice!

Smoking flax refers to being miserable.  But when we reflect on the completed work of Christ we can see that he did not provide us a temporary solution.  He didn’t just quench the smoking flax; he didn’t just take off the burnt part and relight it.  Instead, he filled container with oil to overflowing!

Who Are We?

The Bible states that as born again Christians, we are complete; there is nothing lacking.  We have all received all spiritual blessings.  We have all been filled with His spirit; it is all in all.  The love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which was given to us.

When we look at the blessings God has freely given all of us because of the completed work of Christ, we can choose to change from negativity.  We can refuse to live with fear and anxiety, and instead live by faith.  We really can be people of joy and gladness.

The work of Christ was a complete work.  No matter how bruised you are today, you will never be thrown away.  And Christ’s work was not a temporary fix, but an eternal solution; you have been given the gift of eternal life.  Nothing can separate you from God’s love.

If you are a bruised reed or smoking flax, look to Christ, the author and finisher of our salvation, who died so that you could live abundantly.  A bruised reed cannot have an abundant life. Smoking flax stinks, and smoke cannot have abundant life.  We can chose to accept what Christ has accomplished for us, claiming the victory that is ours: in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Colossians 2:10
And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Romans 5:5
And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us.

Romans 6:23b
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

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Reeds And Flax Part 1

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

Figures of speech in the Bible are used for emphasis and are not what they appear on the surface.  Idioms are a figure of speech.  An idiom is a way of saying something that is peculiar to a people or culture.  Once you understand the idioms in the Bible, the true meaning becomes very clear.

There are two idioms in Isaiah 42, verse 3:  a bruised reed and the smoking flax.  To those unfamiliar with the culture of the Bible, the meaning of those idioms is not known. Here in Part 1, we’ll look at the first idiom.

Reeds grow wild. Although related to the sugar cane, which is solid, reeds are hollow in the middle.  They grow 3 to 4, and sometimes 5 feet high.  During the heat of the day they droop to the ground, but in the cool of the evening, they rise back up, straight and tall.  It was something beautiful for people to watch in the evening.

Jesus made reference to reeds in asking the people what they went out to see, John the Baptist, or the reeds.  In other words, he was asking them if they were paying attention to what John was saying, or if they were distracted by the reeds.

Ancient oriental flutes were made from the reeds.  The verse in Isaiah says, “A bruised reed shall he not break.”  If you know the idiom, “bruised reed,” then it makes the verse much clearer.

What Is A Bruised Reed?

If someone’s flute fell to the ground, it could easily break. It was then referred to as a bruised reed; that’s the idiom. A broken or bruised flute could no longer be used to play, and so, it was thrown away and another one was made.

Eastern shepherds often carried flutes and they would play them. However, they would not toss out their broken flute and make another, even though it didn’t cost anything to make a new one and it was very easy to make.  The reason the shepherd would not do that is because it was handed down to him for generations; it had a sentimental value.

So when the shepherd’s flute, or reed, was bruised, he would use wax or string to repair it.  He loved his flute just as he loved his grandfather who may have passed it on to him. He loved it so much that he repaired it and kept it for keepsake.

In this chapter, Isaiah is talking prophetically about the coming redeemer, Jesus Christ, who is of course referred to, in other places in the Bible, as the good shepherd.  He redeemed us, he laid down his life for us; he paid the full price for all sins.

Are You Bruised?

When a person is broken or bruised by sin or by indifference, that person loses the joy of having salvation; they lose their peace; they are mentally bruised and unhappy; they have no song of joy.

The invitation to salvation is simple and easy because all the work was accomplished for us by Christ.  One simply accepts Jesus as the savior, acknowledging that he is lord of all men, and that God raised him from the dead.  They then receive redemption, salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, and a lot more.

But accepting Christ does not mean that one becomes perfect, never to fall short; we all miss the mark.  When someone is in that position they need to remember Christ’s complete redemptive work.  Our falling short and missing the mark bruises us.

When we get in that position, we need to look to Christ, at his complete work.  He has cleansed us, repaired us, renewed us. He bought and paid for our forgiveness.

Jesus said, “And him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.”  He doesn’t throw us out or toss us away because of our sins; his blood cleansed us from sin.  In the book of Hebrews it says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Jesus will not throw us out and God will never toss us away.

What Will You Choose?

When we are unhappy, miserable, and bruised, and we look to Christ and reflect on what he has done for us, he, as the good shepherd, will not break us, meaning throw us out so that we end up completely crushed.  And so we have a choice.

Our adversary would have us go through life looking at all our faults, weaknesses, and failures.  “Look what I have done; I have failed again, I have messed up again; look at how lousy I am.”  Or instead, we can stop looking at our faults, and look to Christ.

Our loving God and Father is not condemning us.  He loves us so much that He gave His Son to die, to pay the full price for all sins.  In one of the Psalms, David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  He was asking God to help him to get his heart right.

Too often religion condemns the one who misses the mark, and then has a list of “good” things for him to do in order to make up for the bad that he has done, all the while ignoring the real issues of the heart.  And so, people go around doing all sorts of things so that God won’t toss them out.

The Bible says that Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call us brethren.  In God’s eyes we are His children having His righteousness.  We can be confident that we will never be tossed out because of our shortcomings.  So, why not believe in Christ’s complete redemptive work and open your heart to God?

Next time, in Part 2, we will look at the second idiom in Isaiah 42:3, the smoking flax.

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

Romans 10:9 and 10
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 6:37
All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.

I John 1:7b
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hebrews 13:5b
for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139:23 and 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Hebrews 2:11b
For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  To leave a comment if you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.  If not, just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment.

Share This Article!
To share this article on social media, like Facebook, or, Twitter, there are links below.

Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

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Connecting Face To Face

It’s Another Podcast!

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, I experienced something that I have known for a long time. I’m sure you probably know it too, but the more I thought about it the more I wanted to put it on this blog.

Should I write an article, do a video, or, a podcast?  Gee, so many different ways to communicate, right?  I settled on a short podcast [6:41] since I could not personally sit down with everyone who reads this blog.

You’ll understand what that means when you listen.

Enjoy the podcast!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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In The Clouds
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Jonah And The Whale

Are the stories you read in the Bible really true?  Did those things really happen?   Did Jonah really survive for three days inside of a whale?

Some people think that many incidents recorded in the Bible did not happen. They feel that these stories are just too unbelievable.  Because of that kind of thinking, they are quick to dismiss the whole Bible.

A lot of records in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, are considered “children’s stories” by some.  For years, Sunday school teachers have used those incidents from the Bible to teach children.  As a result, many of those accounts are looked upon as simply, children’s stories.

What we read in the Bible is not only true, but it is for children of all ages.  But, far too often, records in the Bible are not understood and thus erroneously taught.  It is the lack of understanding, and subsequent teaching that many times causes people to doubt; such is the case of the account of Jonah and the whale.

(Note: In the Old Testament it is translated as a, “great fish.”  In the New Testament is translated as a, “whale.”)

He Was Alive?  Really?

Most people teach that Jonah was somehow alive inside of a whale for three days and three nights.  I have even see drawings for little children where Jonah is inside the big fish, sitting at a table with a candle on the table.  No wonder people think that it’s ridiculous.

The real problem comes from not understanding what is written.  The Bible tells us that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.  Then, we learn that God spoke to the fish, and the fish vomited out Jonah and he ends up on dry ground.

Chapter one of the book of Jonah gives us the details of how Jonah ended up in the water, and the last verse of chapter two tells of how Jonah got back to dry ground.  But far too many miss the details in chapter two of what happened to Jonah in the water, before he was swallowed by the great fish.

God had asked Jonah to go the city of Nineveh and cry against it.  Jonah did not want to go.  Nineveh was not part of Israel, but rather the capital of Assyria.

So, instead, Jonah got on a ship headed away from Nineveh, bound for Tarsus.  On the journey, a great storm came up, and the others on board began praying to their gods.  Then they decided to cast lots to see who was responsible for this deadly storm.

It is interesting that a long-established expression among sailors uses the term, “a Jonah,” as meaning a person (either a sailor or a passenger) whose presence on board brings bad luck and endangers the ship

Jonah informed them that he was fleeing from the Lord God.  He told them to throw him overboard and the storm would calm.  He was in a great state of despair for having refused to do what God asked him.

Don’t Miss These Details

But when you read the details in chapter two, you get a glimpse of his prayer while alive in the water, just before he died.  Yes, Jonah died, and I’ll reference a very reliable source to corroborate that in a minute.

After Jonah’s prayer, he died, and then God sent a great fish and it swallowed him.  After three days and three nights God spoke to the fish and it vomited out Jonah and he was back to dry ground.  He then went to Nineveh.

Now I know there are those who say that Jonah was alive in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, and that was the miracle.  For that to happen, God would have had to change many of His natural laws, or, turn the great fish into a submarine.  The truth is, Jonah was dead; I have that on great authority.

Jesus Was Right

Jesus Christ said, “For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”  So if Jonah did not die, then neither did Jesus!  Jesus Christ also stated that he would be crucified and die, but then be raised from the dead.

Jesus Christ used an incident, a true event from the Old Testament, to show that he would be dead and buried for three days and three nights.  Just like Jonah was dead for three days and three nights, Jesus would also be dead, and buried for three days and three nights.

So, Jonah did not hang out in the belly of the whale for three days, sitting at his table with the candle.  That is ridiculous.  But when people hear things taught like that, they can quickly dismiss the Bible as incredible, and relinquish what is written as merely, “children’s stories.”

Yes, the Bible was written for children of all ages.  And isn’t it just great that God did raise Jesus from the dead, to die no more?  And, not only that, but God has promised to send him back to gather together all those who believe in Christ!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Children’s Stories
He Is Willing.  Are You?
A King’s Decree And The Brave Three

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Thanksgiving 2011

There’s a lot going on tomorrow. It is Thanksgiving Day!

First of all, there are not one or even two, but three NFL games.  That means that you can literally watch football all day long.  (“Let’s enjoy our big Thanksgiving meal in front of the TV!”)

Speaking of the Thanksgiving meal, lots of time and effort will be spent preparing the big feast.  Kudos to all those who prepare the big feast; that is a big job.  But have you ever noticed after hours and hours of preparation, once people sit down to eat, it’s all over within about twenty minutes?

And let’s not forget about preparations for the day after, Black Friday.  Plans need to be made about where you will shop and what time you will be at each gigantic sale.  How early will you get up to go get the sales before they run out?

Oh, and let’s not forget to find some time to give thanks. After all, it is Thanksgiving Day, isn’t it?  Or does that just get lost in the shuffle?

Things today in our culture here in the USA are a lot different than they were years ago.  We are not pilgrims living in Plymouth, and the year is not 1621.  Times have changed.

Speaking of the Pilgrims, there is a great lesson that they learned that I posted last year called, A Forgotten History Lesson.  http://confidenceandjoy.com/a-forgotten-history-lesson/  If you haven’t read it, it speaks pretty loudly to things going on in our world today.

Thanksgiving Day, now celebrated here in the USA on the fourth Thursday in November, has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.

Part of Lincoln’s proclamation stated:

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

Years before, on October 3, 1789, President George Washington had a Thanksgiving Proclamation.  Part of what he stated was:

Now therefore, I do recommend and affirm Thursday the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Let’s enjoy whatever we do tomorrow, whether it’s football, a big feast or time with family.  But let’s also take a little time to reflect not only on the history and background of Thanksgiving Day, but on our loving and giving God.

Shouldn’t every day be a day of expressing some gratitude toward our heavenly Father?  Even if things in our lives at the moment may not be where we would like for them to be, are there not countless things we can remember to thank Him for?

And, as you read above in both proclamations, we really ought to pray for our country and ask God for His help.  His kindness and mercy has been extended to this great land for many, many years.  We can certainly ask Him to pardon us, and to continue to extend His kindness and mercy on our land.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
A Forgotten History Lesson
Happy Thanksgiving

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God Cannot Do It

It’s Another Podcast!

“Why did God let that happen?”  “Don’t worry, God’s in charge; everything will turn out just fine.”  “God is just testing your faith with these trials.”

How many times have you heard phrases like that?  Have you ever followed that kind of thinking to a logical conclusion?  Guess where you end up?  Are you sure you want to end up there?

In this short podcast, [8:10] find out what conclusion that kind of thinking brings.  Find out what God cannot do!  And, do you know what it is that God gave each one of us that we really need to remember?  If not, find out!

Enjoy the podcast!

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You Might Also Enjoy:
God Is Not In Charge
Why Does God Let Things Happen?
He Is Willing. Are You?

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The Cursed Fig Tree

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

There is an incident in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus saw a fig tree and went over to the tree, hoping to find something to eat.  But the record says that he found nothing but leaves.  It was not the time or season for figs.  So Jesus cursed that tree by saying, “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever.”

One might wonder why Jesus would go over to a tree when it was not the season for fruit.  Certainly you or I would not approach a fruit tree hoping for fruit when it was not the season for that particular fruit, would we?  But once again, understanding the life and times of the Bible make it more than clear.

This type of fig tree is the one referred to as “the people’s tree,” meaning anyone may help themselves to the fruit.  The figs on the tree mature in June.  However, in early spring, there are buds (which later turn into mature figs) on the tree.  These buds are very sweet and make a nice snack.

Jesus wasn’t ignorant of the fruit trees in his land, nor was he confused by what season it was, thinking that it was summer time.  He simply approached the tree for a little snack.  However, this tree had no buds.

No Buds

Having no buds meant that it would have no fruit.  This tree had become a fruitless barren tree.  His cursing of the tree was not in disappointment of not finding any sweet buds.  Rather, his statement was true of that tree, but there was a deeper meaning as well.

The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, is represented figuratively by the fig tree many times in the Old Testament.  This particular incident recorded in the Gospel of Mark occurred shortly before the arrest and execution of Jesus Christ.  God sent His Son to Israel and they rejected him.  Israel had become spiritually fruitless and barren.

All Have Been Invited

Not long after Jesus Christ completed mankind’s redemption and salvation, God’s people were no longer solely inclusive to the nation of Israel, as all others outside of Israel were invited to be part of God’s family.  God literally threw the doors wide open: “…whosever believes in him [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Even further, because of the completed work of Christ, the Bible declares that now it doesn’t make any difference if you are a Jew or a Gentile, bond or free, male or female.

The invitation is to every person on earth.  All those who confess Jesus as lord and believe that God raised him from the dead are saved, have eternal life, and are now literally children of God.

Mark 11:13 and 14
And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek [Gentile], there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

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What Does God Really Think Of You?

It’s Another Podcast!

The title to this short (8:21) podcast might at first seem a little confronting.  But really, it ought to be encouraging.

Find out why.

Enjoy the podcast!

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You Might Also Enjoy:
No One Can Pluck You Out Of His Hand
How Do You Address Him?
Is He Wiling?

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The Song, Amazing Grace

It’s Another Video!

At Carnegie Hall, gospel singer Wintley Phipps delivered a very powerful rendition of the song, Amazing Grace.  But prior to his very moving rendition, he gave some very interesting history of not only Negro Spirituals, but of the song itself.

It is truly amazing who wrote the song, Amazing Grace.

Enjoy the video.

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Amazing Grace
How Great Thou Art
Ten Pieces Of Silver

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