(Mark 11:12-19)

 After his triumphal entry the previous day, Jesus left Bethany to go back to Jerusalem. On the way, he got hungry and saw at a distance a “fig tree in leaf.” Though it was not a season for figs, the foliage indicated the presence of buds—but they were not expected to mature until harvest season three or four months later. The leafy greens indicated a promise that Jesus would find a bud to eat. He went around the fig tree warding off leaves, looking for a bud. When the fig tree failed to deliver what it promised, Jesus expressed disappointment with a curse HEARD BY THE DISCIPLES, “may no one ever eat from you again!” Poor fig tree! How could it have been cursed by the Master when “it was not a season for figs”? This event will not make sense apart from the context. The curse proves the power of His Word and the importance of fulfilling expectations.  Jesus used the fig tree as a symbol for the confrontations and judgments that will happen that week. 

The first confrontation happened quickly in the Court of Gentiles. When he entered the temple, he immediately drove out the merchants, overturned the tables of money-changers and benches of dove-sellers. Then he shouted, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.’ But you have made it a ‘den of robbers.’”

Jesus was not against trading for convenience, but the appropriateness of the venue. He was not against the engagement in business but the establishment of “convenience stores” in God’s house! These stores provided options for pilgrims to lighten the load in their journey. Instead of having check-in baggage for their temple sacrifice, they want only carry-ons for personal effects. Instead of bothering to change currencies they only need to take whatever cash they have. Anyway, at the end of their pilgrimage, everything they need will be available! The convenience robbed them of the opportunity to fulfill God’s expectations from them as true worshippers. The pilgrims were expected to go the extra mile, to experience hardship, to exert time and effort as they worshipped God. Unfortunately, convenience became a better option and it became a curse! 

We are living in a fast-paced world and constant search for convenience. Convenience stores are all over the place—in condominiums, in subdivisions, in office buildings, in public markets, in expressways. We constantly upgrade our personal computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices to do more in less time. We can quickly book flights to destinations and with airlines of our choice in the convenience of our homes. We can do banking and get cash anytime of the day without lining up in front of the teller. All these conveniences in life enable us to get what we need, when we want it, and wherever we are.  Ironically, the more conveniences we have the busier we become, the less time we have in our day. And sad to say, our time for God suffers the most.

All conveniences can be a blessing or a curse. We must enjoy them for every good gift comes from God. But if those conveniences hinder our true worship of God, it then becomes a curse. When you receive blessings from God, does it draw you closer or take you away from Him? Enjoy the blessings but don’t mistake it as a license to take a leave from God. Do you feel comfortable sleeping longer on Sunday mornings since you “worked hard” the past week? Jesus expects us to exert more effort in worshipping God rather than in working for our own benefit. When you have the luxury of spare time, what is your default mode? Is it praying or Farmville? Is it devotions or Bejeweled? 

“Lord let me hear what You are saying today. Let me appreciate and enjoy the blessings in life. But help me avoid turning my conveniences to hindrances in worshipping You. Have mercy on me that I will not be like the fig tree. Guide me on how to fulfill the expectations You have from me as Your child.”