Parables of Christ - Part 9

Announcements

As mentioned in the Audio Note, I will attempt to add some references for the text in the note. Please understand, the note was written in the Spirit, so I have to research the references. I doubt I will be able to include all references and will try to avoid duplications. So, where references are not given for obvious Biblical text, it is covered in a previous reference already.

Audio Version of the Note

The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241011 - Unfruitful Tree - Parables Of Christ - Part 9

Unfruitful Tree

Mark 11:20-25 KJV

[20] And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. [21] And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. [22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. [23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. [24] Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. [25] And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.11.20-25.KJV

Note for 20241011

All together, there are four scriptures referenced here, when we look at the tree that is not fruitful. Though somewhat similar, each account is slightly different and brings more into consideration. In parable and prophecy, man is often compared with a tree (Matthew 7:16-20 KJV). So have we read of the cedars of Lebanon (Ezekiel 31:3-12 KJV,) the oak tree (Isaiah 61:1-4 NIV,) the olive trees (Romans 11:17-24 KJV) and even the vine (John 15:1-8 KJV.) For me, for quite some time, the tree of good and evil has shown comparison to man, as both good and evil can spill from a man's mouth (James 3 KJV and Proverbs 18:20-21 KJV.) Words and deeds, often shown as fruit, even as we consider the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-24 KJV.) It brings the Spirit in contention with the carnal man (Romans 8:7-9 KJV.) The Spirit, life giving fruit, as we find the wheat on the field, but the thorns and weeds of carnality being destined for the fire (Matthew 13:24-43 KJV.)

Once more we come to this intersection; for if we do not have knowledge of the Word, a series of sermons would be required to look into the fruit of things. What comes from us, in word and deed, is that which we will be rewarded for, either to life or to perish in the lake of fire. (Matthew 16:24-27 KJV and Revelation 20:10-15 KJV)

The interesting thing that we see even in nature, is that the fruit contains the seed of life (Genesis 1:11 KJV.) What, then, are the seeds we sow in this world? What do we give the strength to continue and increase? Sown of the Spirit, see a Spiritual growth and produce a Spiritual reward in heaven. However, what is sown in carnality, is sown to that which shall pass away, it leads to a corruption of the soul of mankind, bringing a judgment from GOD. If we then cultivate the tree, giving it water and nourishment, is it for fruit here on earth or for heavenly purposes? Seek first the kingdom of GOD, and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33 KJV.) Are we then firewood or fruit trees standing in GOD'S orchard... In His garden, which is also known as paradise (Luke 23:43 KJV?) The tree that receives the water and nourishment shall increase, which tree do we, then, feed?

We know that Paul said that no flesh can enter into the Kingdom of GOD (1 Corinthians 15:50 KJV,) even as we saw the Way with Christ going through the grave. Dust to dust, but in Christ we will partake also in the resurrection and ascension to be with Christ, where He is, at the Throne of GOD Almighty (Romans 8:15-17 KJV.)

Friends, if I had to make a list of references for today's note it would be quite extensive. It starts with the trees in the Garden in Eden, and stretches forward all the way to the tree of life in Revelation. You cannot look at the tree without considering the fruit of it, and if then the fruit of it, so too must we look at the seed of it. How can we look at the tree and not the soil in which it stands? Out of all the trees in the world, GOD chose for Himself the olive tree in Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4 KJV,) which later became the nation of Israel. And in GOD'S orchard he planted a vineyard, which represents the church, also compared by Paul as the wild olive tree (linked again to Romans 11:17-24 KJV.) The believer is also being compared to the wheat in the field, and the unbeliever as the tares (linked again to Matthew 16:24-27 KJV.) Can you see that there is a separation explained between the godly and the ungodly? In short, the difference is shown in man as that which stands for the Love of GOD, and then that which stands in hate and rebellion. The one increases as fruit bearing trees, the other as thorns, tearing and corrupting the garden of GOD. The fruit shows what the nature of the tree is (linked again to Matthew 7:16 KJV.) The one brings life and sustains it, it gives without expectation of return; while the other, takes and takes, leaving bruises and scars behind.

It is my sincere hope that you will see the difference. Even that the nature of the tree must change. In Christ, we are reformed. What once produced thorns, then becomes a fruit tree.

So was Nicodemus told by Christ, that He must be reborn (John 3:1-21 KJV.) Even as we learn from Paul that the carnal mind stands in enmity with GOD (linked again to Romans 8:7-9 KJV.) Paul profoundly states that he now knows that it is not him that sin, but the flesh. In Romans 8,he starts off...

[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8 was just recently referenced almost in its entirety, and I do suggest you read it again.

Of all that we have read and learned, and of all that we have seen come to pass in this world at this time; it is not my intention to scare anyone. Fear is not of the Spirit of GOD (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV.) Standing in the knowledge of both, good and evil; we must choose good. We must strive unto righteousness and follow Christ (linked again to Galatians 5:16-24 KJV.) If not in Christ, yes, fear will take a ruling place in our hearts. But in Christ, we will know the peace of GOD (Philippians 4:7 KJV) and enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:1-13 KJV.)

So, in conclusion today, I am not only asking you what tree you are, but also question if you bear fruit?

Shalom

PS: This note, with as many references as time permits, should be available at houseofbread4u.blogspot.com by tomorrow, Saturday October 12, 2024; GOD sparing me to complete it.

Additional Scriptures

(Below please find the links to the remaining 3 scriptures that were read as part of this devotional.)

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Expanded from verse 3)

Proverbs 16:2-7 KJV

[2] All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits. [3] Commit thy works unto the LORD, And thy thoughts shall be established. [4] The LORD hath made all things for himself: Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. [5] Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. [6] By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. [7] When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.16.2-7.KJV