Scripture Pathways

Our God is sovereign. He alone holds the authority to extend mercy and to bring judgment, and He does both in perfect righteousness. Two accounts of fig trees in Scripture bring this truth close to the heart and invite us to examine the fruit of our own lives. In Mark 11 Jesus approached a fig tree clothed with leaves. From a distance, it looked healthy, full, and promising; but when He drew near, He found nothing but leaves. Jesus pronounced judgment upon it, declaring that no one would ever eat fruit from it again. Its season of opportunity had come to an end. Yet in Luke 13 when a man found no fruit on a fig tree in his vineyard after three years, the gardener pleaded for one more season—one more opportunity for the tree to become fruitful. Together, these passages reveal a searching truth: God may graciously grant another chance, or He may bring the season of opportunity to a close. Mercy is His to give, and judgment is His to exercise. These fig trees speak of more than branche...

 In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes how people respond to the Word of God. Some never believe, some believe for a while and fall away, and others allow the cares and pleasures of life to choke the Word. The good ground represents those who receive the Word, keep it, and bear fruit. Yet the sower scattered the seed without first determining whether the ground would receive it. His responsibility was to sow. As Christians, we are responsible for helping one another grow in faith. We study Scripture, encourage one another, and offer correction when needed. But we can become so occupied with those already attending church that we neglect those who have never heard the Gospel. Consider how much time our churches spend discussing Sunday school, committee organization, and ministry programs. We want better Bible studies, stronger ministries, and more faithful members. These are worthwhile efforts, but they cannot replace sharing the Gospel. A church can have excellent programs a...