Matthew 21:18-19 – “Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. ¹⁹ Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, something out of Judges and Matthew captured my attention.  Some churches and individuals have nothing but form and maybe a faint memory of God’s presence and power.  Everything is rote ritualism but devoid of God.

Samson is an example.  He became so friendly with the world (Delilah) and so presumptuous about God’s favor that he lost his strength.   Judges 16:20, “He did not know (realize) that the LORD had departed from him.”

In Matthew 21:18-19, we see the barren fig tree.   Jesus was hungry.   Jesus saw a tree that looked fruitful on the outside (actions & words).   Jesus found no fruit and cursed the tree at its roots.

How many churches and individuals have the appearance but no presence (fruit)?  How many go through the routine and do not know God has departed?   Maybe they never knew anything but form.  Maybe they no longer believe in or expect power.

What is the answer?   Matthew 22:36-40.  We are to love God with every fiber of our being and love our neighbors as ourselves.  If we get those two right, and everything else gets right.

It all begins with LOVE!  It all continues through LOVE!   Do we love God with our all?  If we do not, we cannot love our neighbors rightly.  If we do not love our neighbors, whom we can see, how can we love God, whom we can’t see?   LOVE is the motivation and vehicle by which we become!

LORD, help us to avoid ritualism and enter your presence!