Of all the things we think of that occurred during Holy Week one of the least understood is the cursing of the fig tree in Matthew 21:10. To those who don’t really know the story that last sentence might seem very unusual. God clearly hates lies and deception. Hypocrisy is an especially destructive form of falsehood or lying. To know something to be true but to live differently is hypocrisy. In Jesus story the fig tree represented the nation of Isreal of His day. The tree was leafy and green. According to scripture it’s appearance from ‘afar off’ made it seem as though it would have ripe fruit. It should by all appearance have had sweet, delicious fruit on it for the hungry passerby. God, through His people, in Jesus’ day, should have been ready for a savior who also offered what would be satisfying for those looking. They had been given all the signs from their prophets to recognize Him. They were flashy with religion and should have been ripe with the fruit of God blossoming in their lives but they were barren and left everyone hungry and empty. Man created religion to get to God. God created relationship to get to us. Living in alignment with who we are in Christ calls for authentic humility and Christ-like love in all of our interactions. Today live who you are in Christ, and a hungry, hurting world will see The Truth they are longing for. #BeTheEdge
“holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.” 2 Timothy 3:5 AMP
