FAITH CAPSULE: In your celebration, understanding and to know it that celebrating the birth of Jesus is seeking Jesus.
Mark 11:12-14, 1 Peter 1:13-21
A fig tree perhaps was the only the one of its kind at a time and in the region when it’s Creator was passing bye. At the appearance of the tree, it was mouthwatering and its leaves were indication that its fruit was delicious and pleasant. Jesus created the fig tree for a purpose. The fig tree was not only created to be pleasing to the eye nor to be the best looking among the many trees in the area. It is written, “And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the seasons for figs.” (Mark 11:13) The fig tree was very attractive with its decoration but not able to deliver its purpose to its creator. Are you one that celebrates with all kinds of decoration but God cannot see in you that you are not living according to the purpose of your being?
In your celebration, it is important to understanding and to know it that celebrating the birth of Jesus is seeking Jesus. The words of God demands, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”(Matthew 6:33) “…seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29) Keep in mind to seek God in celebration and not be of mere attraction. Attraction we display in the name of celebrating God is like a fig tree that attracts its creator without anything to show for.
All of Jesus’ actions, reactions and words were meant to communicate to the people both during His time on earth and after His ascension. How much attention are you devoting to the Word of God? It is the level of attention devoted that will determine the understanding gained. Also the level of understanding will lead to having a knowing edge over challenges of the world. Jesus was not only displaying His power when He approached the unfruitful fig tree by virtue of the inviting leaves it displayed. Jesus was communicating a message through the demonstration of power. Christianity or Christmas celebration is not just about adornment and Sunday-noise-making. Christianity is about Jesus reality, and Jesus reality is fruitfulness. Do not let your adornment be merely outward by the arrangement that is putting on fine apparel or beautifying your surroundings with Christmas lights. Avoid being a side attraction. Whenever your attractiveness is used for purposes other than having communion with the Creator, God may deal with you by showing you the futility of your vanity. All that Jesus wants is to see your fruitfulness.
Prayer for today: Ask Him to deliver you from religion into Jesus reality.