“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ And immediately the fig tree withered away” (Matt. 21:18-19).
During their travels, Jesus and his disciples, looking for nourishment, came to a fig tree. To their disappointment, the tree had leaves but no fruit. Jesus spoke to the tree, and it died and withered away.
Some critical writers feel that Jesus’ cursing the tree is out of character. Their rationale is: “Jesus went about doing good. Why does He now reverse field and go in an opposite direction? Why cursing instead of blessing?”
Utility is the word. In the economy of God, all living organisms function to produce and reproduce. This tree was occupying space in an already crowded world. Its roots were taking valuable nutrients out of the soil. Its branches were soaking up sunshine. Its leaves were drinking in rain. The tree was taking in but not giving out. It was serving no purpose, yet was draining resources. So the Creator removed it by speaking to it directly.
Fear, poverty, insecurity, bodily ailments – anything negative or debilitating, anything that takes up time, space, or energy without producing positive results – can be removed from our lives.
Our Lord has promised to prune us, to cut away everything from us that has no utility, purpose, or benefit (John 15:2). With this assurance, we can concentrate more fully on the areas of our life that are fruitful and productive.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.