Hebrews 13:15
‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name’. DAILY READING Acts 12; Joshua 15-17; Job 28
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Fig trees are often used symbolically in the Scriptures. In Israel, the fig tree was one of their most important trees. Its fruit was a staple food and was of great importance in their diet. Israeli farmers often planted fig trees in vineyards, the tree adapts to most soils, and its extensive root system enables it to endure the often long, dry climate of the Middle East. But if any fig tree is unfruitful, it would be cut down. Good soil was too scarce to be wasted on unfruitful trees. Especially in the time of Jesus, when fruit trees were taxed, any unproductive tree would also be an undesirable economic burden. Consequently, a poor fig harvest would be seen as a calamity by any farmer.
In Jesus’ illustration of the unproductive fig tree, [Luke 13:6, 7] He spoke of a certain man who had a fig tree in his vineyard. The tree had been unproductive for three years, and the owner was about to have it cut down. But the vinedresser said: “Master, let it alone also this year, until I dig around it and put on manure; and if then it produces fruit in the future, well and good; but if not, you shall cut it down.”
When Jesus gave this illustration, He had already been preaching for three years, endeavoring to cultivate faith among the Jews. However, the week before He died, it became evident that the nation in general had rejected the Messiah.
In another instance while traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem four days before His death, He saw a fig tree that had abundant leaves but no fruit. Normally the fig tree, unlike other trees, provides a harvest of early figs in June and a main crop generally from August onward. The Israelites usually ate the early crop as fresh fruits.
Since the early figs appear along with the leaves, and sometimes even before the leaves develop, when Jesus approached the fig tree He possibly looked for these early fruits.
The tree’s lack of fruit was unexpected, it showed that it was worthless. [Mark 11:13, 14.] Jesus cursed the sterile fig tree, and on the following day, the disciples noticed that it had withered. The dried-up tree signified God’s rejection of those who would not produce fruits.
Hebrew 6:7-8 says ‘For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.’.
Hebrews 13:15 says ‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.’
The fruit of our lips is praise.
God expects the fruit of praise from us.
Praising God is not an option for the believer, it is a commandment.
God speaking in Malachi 2:2 says ‘And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings’
Is it any wonder then that Jesus cursed the fig tree? He was trying to symbolize to us the utmost importance of bringing forth fruit to God. Praise is so important.
The Bible also says ‘Every tree that bringeth not good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.’
We are created to continually offer up unto God, the fruits of our lips. We are under the bond of the covenant to give thanks continually to God. 2thessalonians 2:13 says ‘But we are bound to give thanks always to God…’ We are bound to do it. It is not an option.
God has planted us on earth for the purpose of receiving the fruit of praise from us. And like every farmer He expects to receive the fruit of what He has planted. Not to Praise God is to deny Him His fruit, but when we praise Him we come under His blessing. As we praise Him, He takes care of us so that we can bring forth more fruit. So choose to be blessed today and everyday by continually offering God quality praise. And when you give God what He desires you can be sure He will give you in return that which you desire.
God is worthy of our praise. When we think of His goodness and all He has done for us, we can’t but praise Him.
God is the reason why we are still here today. Despite all the plans of the wicked to eliminate us, God’s will over our lives has prevailed. If it had not been for The Lord on our side where would we be? Though things may not be exactly what you want them to be, still realise that indeed God has been faithful. And as we continue to praise Him, He will surely perfect all that concerns us in due season in Jesus name.
PRAYER: Lord, please help me to continually offer to You the fruits of praise, indeed You have been good to me, You have done all things well, and I bless Your Holy Name forever.. .
QUOTE
Praise is proof that you believe God to do what He said, He would do in your life, – WORDBITE 201.
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE]