STOP STEALING! START WORKING!

“You shall not steal” (Exo 20:15). God commands us not to steal! It is one of the Ten Commandments. A thief takes something from another person without permission and without desire to return the stolen property. A thief takes credit for something he did not do. A thief steals material or spiritual things. Spiritual thieves can damage your peace of mind, your joy of living or your testimony as God’s servant. This demon does great damage to families or congregations, because when property is missing and the thief is not found people become suspicious and afraid of one another, destroying the unity of the Spirit. Stealing hurts people, makes them sad and breaks trust between them. Stealing disobeys God and brings curses on peoples and families! It takes courage to repent from stealing, to stand against sin, especially when it involves those we know. Seek God’s strength to uphold justice and truth.

Stealing is done secretly or openly, using physical force. Like a drug, stealing is addictive. Most of the time it is a habitual practice. Stealing is the most common crime. Most people go to prison because of stealing. The root of stealing is a combination of greed, laziness, anger, jealousy, and wickedness. A thief is angry against God and man. In every culture, people agree that stealing is wrong, but they still do it. Even children steal. They do it without learning how to do it. We are born sinners; we are born thieves. Therefore, we all want to get free things, without working. But God’s Law convicts us all! The commandments are all connected. For example, the 4th command says: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work” (Ex 20:9). Work is God’s command. Thieves hate work. That is why they steal. Adultery is another form of stealing. You steal another man’s wife, and you destroy the love and joy in that marriage.

Stealing is sin. To practice stealing you must be an apprentice to the devil. Both victim and thief suffer. God does not bless any thief. He will eventually lose the stolen property. The thief’s desire is to live from the labor of others. He hates work. The thief sees the needy, the vulnerable as his easy victims; he uses their weaknesses to his advantage, to steal from them. The thief must repent from wickedness, laziness and begin to work. He now views the needs of others as an opportunity to manifest God’s love to men, reaching out to help them, giving from his own resources. Nothing more demonstrates the radical change of conversion in a sinner than when a thief stops stealing and becomes generous to others. Child of God, if something does not belong to you, always ask first! Return what is not yours. Learn to be generous and share! Work hard for what you want! And God will bless you! It is only in Christ that freedom from this demon may be found!

THE DEVIL IS THE GREATEST THIEF

Jesus said: “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (Jn 10:10). The devil is the greatest Thief! Anything or anyone that leads you away from Christ is stealing your destiny. You must understand the Thief’s Intentions. Satan’s goal is your destruction. The thieves are the false teachers and the false prophets. You must develop Spiritual Discernment to separate between the voices of the Good Shepherd (Jesus) and of the thieves and hirelings. The life Jesus offers is not just about having material goods, but especially having spiritual wealth, peace, and joy. Jesus gives you eternal life. The devil hates you and wants to destroy your life. Trust in Jesus’ guidance and protection. He loves you deeply. Selah!

Spiritually, the thief attacks what God, by His Grace, freely gives to His people. His strategies are subtle, daily, and personal.

*Fellowship with God. The devil deceived Eve and Adam. They both sinned. They lost the sweet intimate fellowship with God (Gen 3:8-13).

*God’s Word, Truth and sound doctrine (Matt 13:19).

*Eternal rewards. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Rev 3:11).

*Joy and replaces it with grumbling (Philipp 2:14). Peace, by increasing worry and fear (Philipp 4:6-7).

*Time, thru distractions and procrastination. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16).

*Identity, by whispering lies about who we are in Christ… Satan told Jesus: “If You are the Son of God…” (Matt 4:3)

*Relationships, marriages, by gossip, division. “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends” (PV 16:28; NLT)

*Purpose in life by shifting focus from God-given calling to worldly success. “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matt 16:23).

*Faith in God’s Word and assurance of salvation in Christ. He sows doubt in God’s Word. “Has God indeed said…” (Gen 3:1)

“I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering” (Is 61:8). God hates stealing, especially done by religious people. God is sovereign and self-sufficient. Everything belongs to God. Stealing is a negative picture saying that God needs something else that He does not have. That is an insult on God! When man steals, he insults Jehovah Jireh who has promised to supply all man’s needs.

CHEATING IN BUSINESS: “Differing weights [one for buying and another for selling] and differing measures, both of them are detestable and offensive to the LORD” (PV 20:10; AMP). Why do people cheat in business? First, because it is easy to do it and hard to be caught. Secondly, when people want to succeed in life and fail to do so by honest means, they turn to deception. They think that fake dreams are better than no dreams at all. They see cheating as an exciting adventure. Cheating is learned from others. It is hard but not impossible for a cheater to become an honest worker, or for a thief to become a generous person. Only in Christ there is hope, deliverance, and victory! 

REFUSING TO PAY DEBTS IS STEALING: “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives” (Ps 37:21). When you refuse or delay in paying debts, loans, or bills, you are stealing. Refusing to return borrowed goods (books etc) is stealing. Selah!

MONEY LENDING WITH HIGH INTEREST IS STEALING: “If you make money by charging high interest rates, you will lose it all to someone who cares for the poor” (PV 28:8; CEV). If you give a loan to somebody in need, be sure that it is not with a wicked mind to exploit that man. Be kind to the poor. Making profit or interest is not a sin. Having a wicked heart, oppressing men to make money, that is sin! Selah!

NOT PAYING TITHES AND OFFERINGS IS STEALING (Malachi 3:8-12). Many Christians ignore God’s command to tithe. Be careful! God never argues with His creation. Christianity is a work of faith. No matter what man says, God’s Word tells us to tithe. We owe God the first tenth of our pay or profit. When we do not give God His due, we are robbing God. God promises special spiritual and material blessings to those who tithe. God increases and protects your harvest from ‘the devourer’ (the one who eats your harvest). The testimony of millions who tithe faithfully is a confirmation that God’s Word is true.

THE EFFECTS OF STEALING: Disgrace is the portion of the thief and his family. “The thief is ashamed when he is found out” (Jer 2:26). Stealing is punished by God, and it leads to failure in life. The demon of poverty enters the thief and his family. “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house” (PV 6:30,31). This is a warning against all thieves. You can never become wealthy through stealing. Selah!

WORK TO PUT BREAD ON THE TABLE! BE GENEROUS!

“The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need” (Eph 4:28; AMP). The Christian may not stop stealing immediately. Sanctification is a process. The Christian must pray for the strength to resist and conquer the power of sin. If a man says he is saved and he continues to steal habitually, that one is not yet saved. A man steals because he is idle and lazy. Now, things must change. Most thieves waste their money thru drugs, alcohol, and fornication. The former thief who is now a believer, must learn to work hard. In Greek, the word ‘work’ describes a man who labours hard until he sweats. By working hard, the ex-thief learns to respect honest labor. He also discovers that God blesses the work of his hands. He starts making good money, enough to share with others who are in need. He learns the power of the unity of the Spirit with others, in his family and in his church.

STEALING IN NIGERIA

“Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (PV 14:34;AMP).

Nigeria is known abroad as a place where stealing and corruption is almost a culture. Many Nigerians are very religious but also like to steal. They combine the worship of God with stealing from men. Many people have tried to explain the reasons why stealing is so common. These are some reasons I have found on the internet. Nigerians hate poverty with a passion. They say that poverty has no relatives or friends. At the same time, Nigerians love wealth and visible success. Many pastors preach the so called ‘prosperity Gospel’. It affects the people who attend these churches. They imagine that God overlooks sin in the process of them becoming wealthy. In Nigeria, honesty, modesty in dressing, contentment in life and working hard are not always celebrated. Becoming rich quickly is fashionable. Cybercriminals are called ‘Yahoo Boys’. Nigeria is ranked first in African and third globally in cybercrime. Over 40% of undergraduates and 60% of unemployed graduates in Nigeria are involved. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high unemployment, greed, materialism, contemporary youth culture, and extravagant lifestyles drive some to engage in cybercrime. Peer influence plays some role in cybercrime. Joining the crime is wilful and not by force. Parents’ unwillingness to report the crime, as well as their acceptance of the proceeds, suggests that they do approve of cyber-crime. This is the sad story of a beautiful country. May revival come to this land! Amen!

MY TESTIMONY

Long ago my husband and I made a covenant with God that if anyone steals our things, that one must surrender to Christ. That is why I do not feel cheated when people steal my things. For me, by paying tithes, offerings and helping the needy I have been able to conquer the spirit of stealing. I loved my work as a medical doctor. I now love my work as a pastor! God has blessed both my works! Worship the Lord!

GOD IS LOVE – THE LOOK OF THE MASTER

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1Jn 4:8). This is an amazing declaration: God is love. No matter how difficult this revelation appears to us, the fountain of all God’s activity is this kind of self-giving sacrificial Agape love. Even His rebukes come to us from love. Judgment is not something separate from love. If you convince me that a holy, loving God cannot judge a sinful person, then you will also convince me that He cannot love a sinful person. In God’s holy love there is a strong opposition toward anything that hurts the object of His love. God is a purifying fire, consuming and burning away the dross in order that He might preserve the gold. “Our God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29). Because of this very quality of fire, Love is not always easy to live with. Allow Love to change you! God’s Love is filled with Grace, including all kinds of people, without looking for merit on the part of the object loved. That is the Agape love of God!

A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise” (Ps 51:17). In the Temple at Jerusalem, animal sacrifices were central to worship God. But here we see that God values the repentant heart much more that religious ceremonies. The words “broken and contrite” show deep sorrow for sin, repentance, humility before God and a true desire to reconcile with God. God knows when repentance is genuine or fake. In Christ, we receive grace and mercy to come to God, to repent and be saved. God is faithful. He will surely accept and forgive anyone who truly repents of his sins, for Christ’ sake. A “broken spirit” is a spirit that bows low in honest recognition to its sin. He totally depends on God for mercy and does not depend on self. It is an internal attitude that refuses to hide, excuse, justify or manage sin but brings it into God’s light. The will is surrendered to God’s will. What is the evidence a spirit is becoming broken? The believer is quick to repent rather than justifying his sin. He becomes softer toward other people’s failures. He loses the hardness of the heart caused by sin. He extends mercy to others. He does not have confidence in himself. He rejoices in knowing the Grace of God and not in his works. God never despises a heart that comes low before Him. How do you know that God has accepted your sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart, of a true repentance? God will give you the Peace that passes all understanding! Selah!

Why does God value a broken spirit? Because the spirit honours God’s holiness and His verdict on sin. Humility invites God’s Grace and intimate fellowship with Him. The stronghold of pride is removed. Therefore, the soul can freely worship God. The path of continual repentance is the path of continual revival. As we stay near the Cross, His Spirit shapes in us the very brokenness He delights to bless, making room for deeper intimacy, stronger obedience, and lasting joy. Because the Lord has already provided atonement in the Son, He delights to welcome anyone who approaches Him in humble faith. Jesus promised to receive anyone who comes to Him with a true repentant heart. “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out” (Jn 6:37). The Devil whispers that our sins are too great and God will reject us. But this word gives us confidence: God does not despise repentant sinners; He embraces them! Selah! On the Cross, Jesus died of a broken heart. When the Roman solider punctured his heart with his spear, blood and water poured out (Jn 19:34). Only a broken heart pours out Blood and Water. The sin of the mankind broke the heart of Jesus. Because God the Father did not despise the sacrifice of His only begotten Son on the Cross, He does not despise a broken and a contrite heart. Selah!

GOD’S JUDGEMENT STARTS IN THE CHURCH

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (1Pet 4:17-19). This word speaks about the discipline and judgment of backsliders, not about condemnation for sin already forgiven in Christ. It’s God’s inspection, a purifying process that separates the genuine from the false and designed to mature true faith in the believers. There is a sense of urgency concerning the judgment of God. Jesus promised to come again. He will finally destroy the devil and all that is evil. Judgement starts in the church, in the house of God. God purifies His people first, so that they live according to His will. His judgement will “begin in My Sanctuary” (Ezekiel 9:6). This reflects the principle that those who have received greater revelation and responsibility are held to a higher standard (Luke 12:48). The judgment here means correction, pruning, so that the believers’ faith is strengthened and church becomes pure.

This is the revelation: believers are not exempt from God’s inspection and correction. The early church faced persecution and trials, which were seen as part of this judgment process. The trials served to test and to strengthen their faith. God’s people are often tested to prove their faithfulness, as seen in the stories of Job and Abraham. For the unbelievers, for those who reject Christ, the judgment is more severe. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (Jn 3:36). This is a reminder of the need for repentance and the urgency of evangelism. God’s fire purifies the believers and destroys the unbelievers. Nominal Christians cannot survive God’s fire.

Why does judgment start with us? Because God is holy, His people must be holy like him (Lev 11:44). Our witness is credible only when is refined; hypocrisy dishonours the gospel. A loving Father disciplines His children to share His righteousness (Heb 12:5-11). During times of discipline, we have the assurance that God’s discipline is a sign of love and not of wrath. In Christ, we stand secure. God’s fire consumes the dross and not the vessel. A purified church is a brighter light to a dark world and is a ready Bride for the Bridegroom’s return (Eph 5:25-27).

PETER’S DENIAL, REPENTANCE AND RECONCILIATION

(Mark 14:27-31; 65-72; Luke 22:31-34; 59-62)

“And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:31,32). Jesus, by calling Peter’s name twice, shows that this is an important message and an urgent warning. This picture is like in a court room where one of the lawyers, Satan, asks the judge for permission to speak and act. It was the same in the case of Job (Job 1:6-12). Lessons: God is sovereign. Without permission from God, Satan can’t attack a believer. God allows Satan to test Christians for His own divine purposes. The test is like “sifting the wheat”. This is the process by which the grain is separated from the chaff. It involves vigorous shaking. It is a severe trial or testing that ends in stronger and purer faith. Spiritual warfare is real. Satan attacks our faith in God. Watch and pray. Trials and challenging, but they are opportunities for spiritual growth and strengthening of faith. God uses them to purify our love for Him. Jesus’ warning to Peter comes with His intercession. We are comforted knowing that Jesus intercedes for us in our trials. After overcoming trials, we are called to support and strengthen others in their faith journey, as Peter was instructed to do. The warning of Jesus is a proof of His love for us. Spiritual attacks are real, personal, and often timed at moments of transition before promotions or breakthroughs in life. Satan’s goal is to uproot faith, but Jesus’ goal is to refine it. Jesus gives hope to Peter telling him what to do once he overcomes the trial – “when you have returned to Me”.

These Satan’s tactics: Accusation and condemnation (Rev 12:10). Deception, confusion about your identity as God’s child (“If You are the Son of God…” Lk 4:3). Isolation from the fellowship, loneliness (“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecc 4:12). Pride (Peter boasted: “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” Lk 22:33). How do we prepare? Admit your weakness. Totally depend on God. Be careful especially in times of fatigue, success, loneliness and conflict. Pray in English, in tongues and with God’s Word. “Watch and pray, so that you will not enter into temptation.” (Matt26:41). Clothe yourself with God’s Armor (Eph 6:10-18). Belt of truth: fight Satan’s lies with what God says. Breastplate of righteousness: stand in Christ’s finished work. Gospel shoes: keep moving, not fear. Forward ever! Shield of faith: extinguish fiery darts of fear and doubt. Helmet of salvation: guard your mind with faith and peace. Sword of the Spirit: active weapon. “It is written!” (Matt 4:1-11). Pray in the Spirit!

Strengthen Your position through the Fellowship of the brethren. Confess your sins and pray with trusted believers (Jam 5:16). Submit to your pastors and elders’. They watch for your soul. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb 13:17). Serve others; do good deeds. Warfare often becomes easier when focus shifts outward! Satan is real and active, seeking to “sift” believers, to shake them until their faith fails. Jesus is fully aware of every attack before it happens. Nothing escapes His sovereign eye. The Lord does not just observe. He intercedes: “I have prayed for you.” His prayer is directed to the most essential thing: Peter’s faith. If faith stands, the believer stands! Jesus’ petition is always effectual. What He asks the Father, the Father gives to Him. The goal is restoration and ministry. Jesus is constantly interceding. “He always lives to intercede for them” (Heb 7:25). Our failures are not the end of our Christian race. Peter denied Jesus, yet he was restored. Present stumbles cannot cancel future usefulness. Testing refines, not ruins. Live Ready, Not Fearful! Expect conflict but rest in Christ’ victory. Use hardship as training for ministry. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith (Heb 12:2). Prepared believers don’t avoid trials, but come out purer, wiser, stronger, and able to strengthen others.

Jesus told Peter: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times”. Roosters crow early morning. Jesus predicted exactly Peter’s denial. When the rooster crows the second time, Peter remembers the words of Jesus. He now sees Jesus as the Omniscient Lord. It is a moment of sudden spiritual light, producing instant repentance and transformation. Peter broke down and wept. His emotional response of weeping is of deep godly sorrow and repentance. This moment of brokenness is a turning point in his spiritual journey, the beginning of his restoration until his eventual reinstatement by Jesus after the resurrection. It shows the transformative power of repentance and forgiveness. Peter’s denial serves as a reminder of human weakness and even with the best intentions, how easy it is to fall into sin. Peter’s later restoration by Jesus shows that failure is not the end, and God can use our weaknesses for His glory. Halleluiah! 

Some of the emotions of Peter:

*Shock and guilt. Only hours earlier, Peter had boldly declared, “Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You” (Mk 14:31). The second crow split the night air and jolted Peter’s memory. Peter felt Guilty. It was a personal failure at the very thing he promised never to do.

*Shame before His Lord. “The Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Lk 22:61). One look from Jesus pierced and broke Peter’s heart. Peter has publicly disowned the One he loved. It caused profound embarrassment.

*Fear and Confusion. Jerusalem was filled with hatred against Jesus. Peter was trying to hide his identity to save himself. Now, Peter was exposed, as a backslider. He was afraid that he has lost his relationship with Jesus.

*Love and Hope. Despite his shame and his failure, Peter still loved Jesus. That love increased his pain. He had a little hope. Earlier, Jesus prayed for him: “I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22:32). This prayer offered a faint hope beneath the ashes of failure. Jesus gave him work to do after “turning back”. The rooster’s crow marked the lowest point, yet also the turning point towards hope of reconciliation and further ministry.

*Godly sorrow that led to repentance “not to be regretted” (2 Cor 7:8-11). After the resurrection, Jesus would restore Peter on a Galilean shore (Jn 21:15-17), proving that godly sorrow truly leads to life. Once you realize that you are weak by yourself, you are ready to become who God wants you to be! “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Cor 12:10). This is the secret power of Christianity. Worship the Lord!

THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE

As we read the story of Hosea (Hosea 1-3) we feel his pain. He obeyed God and married Gomer. But his heart was broken because of his adulterous wife. Strangely, that was what God wanted. Hosea felt God’s pain when His people, Isreal, abandoned Him and went to serve idols. Because of his pain, Hosea understood the deep things of God. Gomer left her husband to follow lovers. At a time, Gomer, felt some guilt about her sinful ways. She wanted to go back to her husband “as at first” but she did not go. She had remorse but did not repent!

True repentance is not just some feeling of regret. In the Bible, the word “repent” in Greek is Metanoia. It means “to change your mind” resulting in a change of action. You totally turn away from sin and you turn towards God! Paul declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20). Concerning salvation, repentance means to change your mind especially regarding sin and the Lord Jesus Christ. You have “second thoughts” about your former mindset. There is a new way of thinking about God, sin, grace, holiness, justice and about doing God’s will. True repentance is prompted by “godly sorrow,” and it “leads to salvation” (2 Cor 7:10). Selah!

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance… So, produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behaviour that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]” (Matt 3:8; NKJ; AMP). John the Baptist, a prophet and a forerunner of Jesus Christ, was known for his call to repentance and baptism in the Jordan River. He is addressing the religious leaders of the time who came to him to be baptized. They are often described as hypocritical and resistant to true repentance. Genuine repentance begins in the heart, leading to a sincere turning away from sin and towards God, resulting in visible fruit. Repentance is not merely a verbal declaration but must be accompanied by a change in behaviour that reflects a transformed heart. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning your life with God’s will, producing ongoing spiritual fruit.

“The people asked John the Baptist, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So, he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Lk 3:10-14)

When the people asked about repentance, John’s answers were practical and specific. True repentance manifest in:

*Relationships: you forgive quickly, pursue reconciliation and you desire peace with all men. 

*Speech: you speak truthful, edifying words—not gossip, not slander, or rough talk.

*Finances: you are wise and generous with your money, and fair in business deals.

*Work ethic: you work honest hours, you put quality effort, you refuse to exploit people, and you respect authority.

*Sexual purity: you honour marriage and flee immorality.

*Serving God thru Compassion, helping the needy, the poor, and the vulnerable.

True repentance means to openly acknowledge sin without excuses. When King David repented from his sin of adultery and murder, he openly confessed it to God: “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,

And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge” (Ps 51:3,4).

True repentance means to completely turn away from your sin, and turn towards God, in your mind, heart, will, speech and actions. “Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon” (Isa 55:7). True repentance leads to Restitution and reconciliation. Whenever possible, you must correct the wrongs, like Zacchaeus who repaid fourfold the money he stole (Lk 19:8). The former thief now works to give (Eph 4:28).

True repentance means accepting and confessing the truth that you have sinned and only in Christ there is mercy, forgiveness and cleansing of the conscience. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8,9). The result is that there is a changed conduct, visible obedience to God’s Word, a new godly character and persistent spiritual growth. True repentance manifests as active Love for others, humility, and a willingness to be taught. A repentant heart welcomes correction instead of resisting it. “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it..,” (Ps 141:5). True repentance manifests as serving God thru witnessing, sharing your testimony, preaching God’s word and helping people. Good works cause others to “glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16). Encourage yourself! Stay humble! Celebrate progress, repent of setbacks, and keep walking!   

True repentance manifests as spiritual fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). These nine qualities are family traits of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. These fruits grow together; are not “slices” or decorations. They manifest in real-life situations, not just in theory. The fruit God is looking for is the life of Christ expressed thru ours. “Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philip 1:11). Why Fruit Matters to God? By our character and deeds, we prove that the message we preach is true. Fruits demonstrates the power of the gospel to save sinners. It protects the community from hypocrisy. It Glorifies God: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (Jn 15:8). God desires spiritual fruit in our lives! Continuous transformation is not only possible; it is expected. Selah!

UNFRUITFULNESS BRINGS GOD JUDGEMENT

“I will surely consume them,” says the Lord. “No grapes shall be on the vine, Nor figs on the fig tree, And the leaf shall fade; And the things I have given them shall pass away from them” (Jer 8:13). These are words of divine judgment and the removal of blessings. Jeremiah warns the people of Judah that persistent disobedience and idolatry, refusing to repent of sin, leads to God’s judgment. God will remove the material prosperity. These words show the authority of God! The absence of grapes and figs means no wine, no joy, no celebrations. The fading of the leaves suggests a complete lack of life and strength. God removes His blessings, including the Promised Land. God blesses the faithful and curses those who are rebellious against Him. He gives and takes away according to His righteous purposes. Selah! We are created to bear fruit. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Gen 1:27,28). God’s loving discipline is a wake-up call to repent and come back to Him! Bareness is not neutral. It invites God’s judgment, removing what hides spiritual decay. Yet the same God who judges can in His mercy restore and multiply fruit!

THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE (Mk 11:11-26)

Jesus was hungry. He expects to see figs on the tree that has mature leaves, but He finds no fruits. He curses it. The tree dries from its roots. This story is difficult to explain. Many say that Jesus was selfish to curse a tree that had no fruits for Him to eat. It was not even the season for figs. The cursing of the fig tree is a miracle of destruction. In all other miracles Jesus heals and delivers, but this is a different type of miracle. This is a prophetic parable of judgment over Jerusalem which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. To make His point, Jesus could have cursed a Jew, but He decided to curse a fig tree. His judgment was restrained. What are some of the lessons?  

God warns against hypocrisy. As Creator of the universe, God has the right to expect fruits from the trees on this earth. He is disappointed at unfulfilled potential. His disappointment turns to judgment. The mature leaves are a symbol of hypocrisy. Jesus condemns the hypocrisy more than the lack of fruit. It is dangerous to pretend that you are fruitful when you are not. Like the activity in the temple courts during Passover, the fig tree was putting on a good show. And that made worse. It’s one thing to lack fruit out of season. It’s another thing to pretend that you have it. Many people look like this tree, leaves but no fruit. Our leaves are like that of great champions, leaders in the church, winners in business with perfect families. But the root may be withered. There are no fruits of holiness and no intimacy with God. Our religious activities, the leaves, may fool many people. What’s worse, our leaves may even fool us. And our churches can do the same. A church’s leaves may look impressive: great attendance, big accounts, successful outreaches, active pastors, and impressive music. But what will the Lord find upon close inspection? Will He find only leaves? Or will he find figs, too? God’s warnings are not empty threats!

God warns against spiritual bareness. A barren tree has lost its purpose. God judges it. Jesus inspects the tree and He is immediately disappointed. All leaves, no fruit. All expectation, no satisfaction. While the rest of the nations—the other fig trees—are not yet in season, this one tree is “in leaf”. God wants to see fruits on His people so that they become a blessing to all the nations. A lack of fruitfulness is a sign of God’s curse for their rebellion. “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you” (Deut11:16,17). Jesus enters Jerusalem. The Passover celebration, the crowds, the singing and dancing, it’s all only a show. Jesus enters God’s house of prayer and finds it “a den of robbers” (Mk 11:17). Lots of action, noise, but no righteousness, no love for God and man. These are all leaves and no fruit! Upon inspecting the fruitless tree, Jesus pours out divine judgment. The fig tree cursing is not just about Israel. It’s about us, the people of God throughout time. Selah!

As Gentiles who are saved in Christ, we are grafted into the trunk of tree (Rom 11:19-23). Dear believer is Christ, do not be proud. You do not support the root, but the root supports the tree. Unbelief made God break Isreal branches away. Faith keeps you in the tree. God can cut off anyone because of Unbelief. The barren fig tree is a symbol of ceremonial legalistic religion without truth and faith. Unbelief sees the Bible as only a book of laws, rules and regulation. True Christianity lives by faith, repentance, forgiveness and fruitfulness.   

Sin is defined as any plan, thought or action done against God. The root of sin is unbelief. The Holy Spirit exposes sin as Unbelief in Jesus Christ (Jn 16:8,9). The problem with sin is not merely wrong behaviour but rejecting God’s revealed remedy. This puts faith in Christ at the very centre of the moral universe. Sin means rejecting God’s light in Christ because sinners love darkness. Unbelief treats God’s testimony about His Son as false (1Jn 5:10). Jesus said: “That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (Jn 8:24). It is not enough to be religious, to believe in God. Unbelief in Jesus Christ takes the sinner to hell! Selah!

Jesus looks towards to future with hope! The next day, Peter is amazed that the fig tree is dried. Jesus ignores his comment and speaks about something else. He talks about the power of God, prayer, faith and forgiveness. These are very different topics from the look of the dry tree, that was a picture of His judgment. It is good to study and admire the Creative mind of Jesus. We need to have such a mind who knows when to ignore the past, acknowledge the present and look to the future with hope. A creative mind knows the perfect timing of things. Jesus knew when to change the subject and to move on. Also, a creative mind does not dwell on the negatives. From the dry fig tree Jesus turns to God, and prayer and faith. He changes the view of the disciples. From the sad, limited view of God’s judgment Jesus tell them to look at the bigger, better things of the glorious future. Like Jesus, we need to use the sad present to look by faith at the glory ahead; to use negative to create positive, and the simple stories to explain the profound. Jesus tells them that Prayer to God has unlimited power because all power belongs to God. Faith is the key that opens the door of prayer. Jesus gives three reasons why the unlimited power of prayer can be limited by us: The Will of God limits our prayers, because we cannot pray outside His will. Doubt limits the power of prayer. Unforgiveness limits the power of prayer. May we repent of our ignorance of God, doubt and unforgiveness. Then we can fly as eagles in the open sky of prayers answered. “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:9-11). Worship the Lord!