SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Luke 13:6-9) (6) "He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none." (7) "Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" (8) "And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:" (9) "And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."
(Mark 11:12-14) (12) "And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:" (13) "And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet." (14) "And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it."
(Mark 11:20-22) (20) "And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." (21) "And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away." (22) "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God."
(Hebrews 4:15) "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
(Romans 8:38-39) (38) "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Beloved, while seeking God for a message in an upcoming revival, the Lord reminded me of this message, and the reason this message means so much to me is that it is the very first message that I preached when I re-entered the ministry after suffering through several years of mental illness.
This message was delivered in 1995 at the truck stop Little Grace Chapel, located off Interstate 80 in Milton, Pennsylvania. What I did not know was that the lady Chaplain Kris Tackitt with The Association of Christian Truckers had recorded my message, which we called God's Flower Garden. In the message, I referred to myself as being God's flower in his garden.
Did you know that I had met Chaplain Kris and her husband Joe over ten years earlier at their Chapel in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where I had made the third attempt to end my life behind the cab of my truck beside their Association of Christian Truckers Chapel, but God had other plans. It may have taken more than ten years to get my life straightened out, but God, in his time, like Peter, re-instated me back into his ministry.
Did you know that Harvest for Jesus and two other gospel tape ministries asked for and produced that message on God's Flower Garden, which God used to touch people's lives worldwide?
Beloved, I do not remember the message except that it was centered on the woman at the well and how the model intercessor, the Lord Jesus, had met her in the heat of the day while sitting on Jacob's well in a land where the Jews had no dealings with the people of Samaria.
I remember ministering that night at that truck stop chapel with a message that was changing my life. I preached about the woman who met Jesus at a well in Samaria, whose life was in pain from all her past mistakes but who was used by God to touch a whole city for the kingdom of God.
Beloved, I remember speaking of how much I loved flowers, especially roses, and how often I would catch myself sitting beside a rose bush, showing signs of stress and talking to it, letting it know that my love for it is excellent. I will do everything I can to see it live to bloom in my beautiful rose garden.
This message provides a detailed examination of the 13th chapter of Luke, specifically focusing on the parable of the model intercessor and the fig tree. It explores the spiritual insights gained from studying the parable, which highlights the significance of having an intercessor spare the life of a specially planted fig tree in good soil.
In conclusion, this parable strongly emphasizes the crucial role of the vineyard caretaker in granting the fig tree another chance to thrive and bear fruit despite its initial shortcomings. Looking back on our lives, I believe many of us can readily identify with the fig tree's journey.
"UNDERSTANDING THE CURSED FIG TREE."
In this setting, we find a wild fig tree growing by the wayside that had not been planted. Still, the Lord noticed the tree, which had large leaves, when he was hungry. Knowing that it was not the time for it to produce fruit, he decided to use it to demonstrate a spiritual truth to his disciples.
Beloved, the proud fig tree was cursed for its pretense of leaves, not for its lack of fruit. The Lord demonstrated to his disciples that he is not interested in those operating in a show of worked-up flesh that they use to deceive others and entertain them. Still, he is interested in his children blooming where they are planted as they patiently wait for God's Spirit to produce fruit in their lives, representing the qualities of life God seeks in his children.
According to scholars, the fruit of a fig tree is supposed to appear before the leaves, and a fruitless fig tree is considered worthless even if it is growing by the wayside.
Do you think it is a coincidence that right after cursing this tree, Jesus enters and cleanses the temple of the thieves and money changers who make merchandise out of the house of God? This should warn us that the Lord gets angry when his house of worship is abused, especially by would-be spiritual leaders who put on a show to get rich from God's people.
Beloved, the way some ministers present the Lord today to a lost, hurting world that is looking for answers, with some even looking for a reason to live, is nothing more than worked-up flesh putting on a show, causing the people to leave more entertained than elevated. This leads me to believe that Hollywood has joined the church.
Did you not know that if our Holy God were actually in these one thousand-plus dollar prayer lines, he would be no different from the heathen gods of other religions?
Beloved reader, the Lord became angry at these money changers in the temple because they were selling pre-approved lambs for sacrifice to would-be worshippers when the law of God declared that the lamb was to be raised as a family pet. Then, when the yearly sacrifice would come, the houseman would tie his name around its neck and bring it to the high priest to be examined and offered for the family's sins to be carried another year.
The main point of this message is that people want a convenient religion they can control. They want a religion that allows them to indulge their desires without feeling guilty or having to apologize for the harm they have caused to others and God."
After cursing the barren fig tree for not bearing fruit, Jesus entered the temple and found people buying and selling goods. Angered by the commercial activities in the house of prayer, he overturned the money changers' tables and the benches of those selling doves. He then chastised them for turning the sacred space into a marketplace, declaring, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." This incident showcases Jesus's commitment to upholding the sanctity of religious spaces and addressing the exploitation of faith for profit.
Beloved, may I ask you," What have we witnessed in the last forty years as preachers have fleeced the flock of God to make themselves rich as they promise God's blessing on the people, especially if they will buy them expensive cars and planes that cost thousands of dollars for upkeep, all at the expense of God's people?" Did you know that some of these ministries have been filmed going through their mail, removing the checks from the letters, and discarding the letters primarily older adults sent without reading them?
Have we not witnessed these money-hungry preachers get on TV with their promises of burning someone's debt and have a secure bonfire to burn all the letters and receipts mailed to them as if their prayer is going to put the devil in his place and release the people from their debt including delivering their people from drug habits?
Beloved, let's get real. " Is all this show going to stop the harassing phone calls from creditors wanting their money? And what about the bad spending habits that put people in a financial bind? Will this outward show by these so-called men and women of God change the attitudes and bad habits of these poor, deceived people?
Can you remember reading that after cleansing the temple, the Lord returned through the area where he had cursed the fig tree? Do you remember reading that his disciples pointed out that the fig tree had dried up and withered from the roots?
(Mark 11:20-22) (20) "And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." (21) "And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away." (22) "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God."
Beloved, following this lesson on faith, Jesus speaks to his disciples about mountain-moving faith and beloved; there is so much more I could talk about concerning mountain-moving faith and how because we are co-creators with God, our thoughts produce atoms; therefore, when we speak, those atoms take on substance.
My mentor, the late Don Stewart, taught me that when we speak to the mountains, we are not talking to the physical dirt, trees, rocks, and cliffs, but we are speaking to the atoms that hold everything together. He also taught me that everything, seen and unseen, was created by God out of nothing. Additionally, he explained that when an atom is constantly moving, it will stop moving when viewed under a powerful microscope and become a dot, as if it had the intelligence to know that it was being looked at.
In conclusion, we can glean that Jesus was hungry when he saw the fig tree producing leaves, especially when the fruit was supposed to come before the leaves. Even though it was not time for the tree to bear fruit, the Lord destroyed it to teach his disciples a spiritual truth concerning how powerful our words can be when spoken in faith.
"UNDERSTANDING THE BARREN FIG TREE.."
"A Reflection on Faith and Growth."
(Luke 13:6-9) (6) "He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none." (7) "Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" (8) "And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:" (9) "And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."
Beloved, I do not know where to start, for this parable is precious to my life. In this setting, we find the Lord speaking about a fig tree that had explicitly been planted in a particular place and had been given the greatest care; however, the Lord says in this parable that three years had passed by, and this unique free had been taking nutrients from the ground. Still, it was not showing any sign of bearing fruit.
This fig tree should have come forth with strength to bear figs, for unlike the one growing by the wayside which produced leaves but no fruit, which caused the Lord to destroy it where it stood, this tree had been given extra care to be planted and should have brought forth fruit.
Three years later, he passed without fruit from this tree, which caused the husbandman of the plot of land where it was planted to instruct the caretaker to cut it down and plant something more worthy in its place. This tree was taking nutrients from the soil and giving nothing in return, and notice in this parable how we see the model intercessor clearly at work as he intercedes to the husbandman of this plot of land to give the tree one more year to show forth, and notice his plea for this fig tree as he promises to dig around it to loosen the soil, then see how he promises to add the fertilizer to enrich the soil with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, especially nitrogen, which plants need to remain healthy and produce good crops.
Beloved, this touches my heart because I have loved growing flowers and planting gardens all my life. The excitement of watching them grow brings joy to my heart that cannot be explained by words. Knowing that I am responsible for their existence brings joy to my heart.
Did you know that some people marvel at how serious I am when ensuring my garden's ground is prepared just the right way? I believe that my garden shows forth my personality, and I am careful how I plant it. To begin with, I take the time to plant beautiful flowers around the edges of my garden to help attract the bees, which will help pollinate my plants.
Beloved, when I plant my rose gardens, I dig deep holes in the ground and place small stones in the holes for irrigation. I feel so close to God as I carefully place the rose in the prepared hole while gently filling in the hole around it with soil mixed with fertilization and other growth stimulants.
Saints, can you see a similarity in your life as we read how the caretaker in the parable of the fig tree pleads for more time, which would allow him to work with the unfruitful tree that is taking up space without giving anything back?
Scientific studies have found that plants can tell when you love them and when you mean them harm. Yes, beloved, in an experiment, they placed sensitive sensors on two plants in their study and cut some branches off one while the other was in the room. When they returned the next day, the one that had witnessed the pruning of the different plants showed deep signs of stress in fear that they might harm it.
Beloved Saints, did you know that the spiritual truth we can glean from this parable is seeing ourselves as this tree and understanding that God is looking for repentance and fruitfulness in our lives?
God loves his creation so much that he sent his Son to give his life on an old rugged cross, pay the ransom price for sin that he may raise him from the dead and exalt him at his right hand, giving him a name above every name both in heaven and in earth.
God, in his mercy, caused Jesus, the other Adam, to die in our place, preparing the way for his mercy to be extended to humanity, his most incredible creation, that he may raise him from the dead and make him both Lord and Christ to become the head over all things to the church, which is his body. Thus, Christ, the head of the church, becomes the model intercessor between God and man.
(Hebrews 4:15) "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
I am rejoicing inside as I think of the many times I have messed up. Just like the caretaker who pleaded for the life of the fig tree, Christ, my wonderful counselor, represents me in heaven before the throne of the judge of all judges and pleads for my life so that I might have another chance to produce fruit. You might ask, what is the fruit God is looking for?
(Galatians 5:22-23) (22) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith," (23) "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Just like the caretaker in the parable pleading to the husbandman of the vineyard for more time or extending another chance to the fig tree before ending its life, I find myself thinking about the times that I have come off the road and found one of my roses showing signs of stress.
I remember sitting by it, telling it about how I carefully chose it for where it was planted and carefully ensured that it had everything to show growth. But before giving up on it, beloved, I would tell it that I intend to extend it more time as I promise my rose that I know it has everything it needs for growth and that I am expecting it to reach down inside to come forth and bloom.
Saints, I promise my fading rose that I will dig around it and add some more fertilizer, but I am asking it to reach way down in its roots and pull the life-giving nutrients it needs to survive so it can come forth and bloom. While I am interceding for my rose, I am thinking about my mediator in heaven interceding for me, primarily through all those years I was suffering through a nervous condition with no happy ending in sight. Still, my God had other plans to intercede for his chosen vessel because he saw my heart.
There is so much more that I could say about Christ, our mediator. Plowing and planting my garden are hobbies I love to do all day long, even under the hot sun. When I prepare my soil for my beautiful garden, I think about the many years God has carefully orchestrated events, both good and evil, that have helped prepare me as His evangelist to take the most significant news on earth to a hurting world that is looking for answers and a reason to live.
Beloved, did you know that after I prepare my ground for planting, I carefully measure off my rows so that when my garden comes forth, all who pass by can see the beauty displayed in my work? When it comes time to plant my vegetables, I love to crawl on my knees as I talk to each plant, giving it a name and personality in my garden.
In conclusion, my beautiful garden is like a ministry, reminding me I am a flower in God's garden. My plants seem to know they are loved and show it in their growth. I can envision the caretaker (Christ the Model Intercessor) working in God's garden, interceding for all who will read and absorb the revelations throughout this message; listen as He is standing in the courts in heaven, asking God to extend His grace to us as we yield to His Holy Spirit that began the work in us, and may we be hungry for more becoming obedient to his leading and may He finish the job, producing Christ in our life and ministry. Amen.
"CHARACTERISTICS OF A PRAYER INTERCESSOR"
This message has been about the need for effective prayer intercessors in the body of Christ, and at this time, we need to look at some of the key characteristics that can be found in a prayer intercessor:
1. Compassion: They possess a deep sense of empathy and concern for others’ well-being.
2. Fervency: Their prayers are marked by passion and earnestness.
3. Faithfulness: They commit to regular prayer and remain steadfast in their petitions.
4. Alignment with God’s Will: An intercessor seeks to understand God’s desires and aligns their prayers accordingly.
MY CONCLUSION
Intercession is a vital aspect of spiritual life, where individuals stand in the gap for others through prayer. The model intercessor embodies qualities that reflect deep faith, commitment, and a heart aligned with God’s will. Understanding the characteristics and responsibilities of a model intercessor can inspire others to engage in effective intercession.
An intercessor should be faithful, demonstrating unwavering faith in God’s promises, & compassionate toward others, feeling their burdens, and seeking to uplift them in prayer. A true intercessor approaches God humbly, recognizing their dependence on Him and understanding that they are merely vessels for His work. They keep their ears open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and act upon it, praying according to God’s will rather than their desires.
Did you not know that our view of God will define the relationship and fellowship we experience with Him in our Christian Walk and everyday lives, including how we view our fellow men? Do we view him as a stern man like a father we have known here who is short-tempered and unapproachable, or do we see him as the model Father Jesus referred to while reciting the Lord’s prayer?
God desires that we view and receive him as a Father who opens his arms of unconditional love for his children. The Lord’s most earnest desire is that we understand that we have a high priest whom the feelings of our infirmities can touch. We have a mediator sitting at the right hand of God pleading our case before the judge of the universe, just as the caretaker in this message pleaded for the life of the fig tree.
Beloved, the parable of the caretaker interceding on behalf of the fig tree, touches my heart. We can better understand how Jesus represents us before the throne of God when we study the prayer Jesus prayed to his father concerning the church, which can be found in John's seventeenth chapter. In this prayer, the Lord Jesus asks God to strengthen, protect, sanctify, unite, and glorify those who were his from the foundation of the world. I can still hear this prayer ringing in my soul.
A few hours before his arrest, the Lord intercedes to the Father as he addresses him as a Holy Father, asking him to glorify or strengthen him as he reminds him of the dreadful hours ahead and take notice, beloved, as the Son of God humbles himself before God, praying that they might know him and Jesus Christ whom he has sent unto the world, and notice beloved as he prays that the ones that have been given unto him might know the Glory which he had with God before the foundation of the world.
Saints, when we come to the end of ourselves and sink until we have no hope in our human strength, this is when the victory of the cross comes into shining view, for God never promised any of us that after becoming a Christian, our lives would be without discomfort, discouragement, and disappointments.
In conclusion, Christ serves as the ultimate example of an intercessor, representing compassion, self-sacrifice, and unwavering advocacy for others. By wholeheartedly embracing His example in our daily lives through the power of prayer and practical actions, we can actively engage in our divine mission on earth. This involves lifting up and supporting those in need around us, aligning our actions with Christ's compassionate and selfless nature, and contributing to the betterment of our communities and the world at large.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
