Iceland used to have forests.
In fact, trees once covered 50% of their island. But that changed, and at the
present time, forests have dwindled to a mere 1%, despite the many initiatives
at work to reverse this trend.
It was no wonder that upon hearing we were from
Canada, the desk clerk at our hotel in Selfoss exclaimed: "I'm going to Nova
Scotia in September ... Is it true that there are lots of trees there? I heard
that farmers have to cut down trees in order to plant their fields. Is that
right? I can't wait to see trees!"
Her enthusiasm was quite catchy, and although we
wanted to visit Iceland, it made us longing for our beautiful, forested land!
Although trees are delightful, what is even better is
longing to experience our Heavenly Father fully. He is the One who brings us
complete fulfillment. But are our hearts really prepared for him? Are there
obstructions in our heart that hinder us from getting to know the One who is
completely dedicated to us?
Speaking of trees, the Bible tells the following
story: "Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to
find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves,
because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, 'May no one
ever eat fruit from you again.'" (Mark 11:12-14 NIV)
We may be perplexed about why Jesus cursed the tree,
but it was a precursor of what was going to happen next.
"On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area
and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the
tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would
not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he
taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of
prayer for all nations? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" (Mark 11:15-17
NIV)
The fruitless fig tree was a symbol of how many
believers worship God. We may have many leaves, but if no fruit is forthcoming,
we are fakes! We may pretend to be on our way to heaven, but if we think solely
of ourselves, without even acknowledging the price it cost for Jesus to redeem
us, we are erring completely on the wrong side of the tracks!
Where is our fruit of love, of patience, of endurance
. . .? Too many among us believe in attaining heaven through our own efforts.
Let's sell these doves to the glory of God! In all reality we are more
interested in filling our own purse! Salvation cannot be obtained that way! We
will find ourselves standing completely bare of fruit!
"You who are trying to be justified by law have been
alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." (Gal 5:4 NIV)
It's easy to criticize, and it is even easier to rely
on ourselves to reach heaven. Who else can we completely trust? However, "There
is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Prov
14:12 NIV)
Instead of hungering for self-accomplishments, may we
long to get to know the One who is truly our Lord and Saviour. Relying on
ourselves will only bring grief and disappointment. Fruit will not be
forthcoming, and we will wither to nothingness.
"I can't wait to see trees filled with appetizing
fruit from above!"
Would you like an apple?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.