Figs and the Lukewarm Church

I stayed with my friends Bob and Susie in Walla Walla the first week of April, and for breakfast one more morning we had cooked oats with various dried fruits if we chose. There were apricots, dates, and figs and fresh blueberries. I more than likely have eaten a fig in the past, I just don’t remember if I have, but I tried one that morning and it was tasty.

According to healthline dot com, figs, and their leaves are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of potential health benefits. They can promote healthy digestion, decrease your risk of heart disease, and help you manage your blood sugar levels.

Fresh figs are rich in nutrients while being relatively low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Having a few figs is a reasonable, low-calorie snack or addition to a meal. (On the other hand, dried figs are high in sugar and rich in calories, as the sugar becomes concentrated when the fruits are dried.)

Figs also contain small amounts of a wide variety of nutrients, but they’re particularly rich in copper and vitamin B6.

Copper is a vital mineral that’s involved in several bodily processes, including metabolism and energy production, as well as the formation of blood cells, connective tissues, and neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B6 is a key vitamin necessary to help your body break down dietary protein and create new proteins. It also plays an important role in brain health.

They contain fiber…decreasing constipation and serving as a prebiotic — or food source for the healthy bacteria populating your gut.

Figs may improve blood pressure and blood fat levels, which can help improve your vascular health and decrease your risk of heart disease.

One study in 45 children with dermatitis found that a cream made from dried fig fruit extract applied twice daily for 2 weeks was more effective at treating the symptoms of dermatitis than hydrocortisone cream, the standard treatment…”

Figs are also mentioned in the Bible as being a seasonal indicator.

Matthew 24:32 says, “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.” ESV

John Dale is working on creating new Bible verses for Better Life. I voiced them and he then creates a wonderful, finished product with beautiful images that, more than likely, he has captured. Matthew 24:32 was one of those verses and I want to look at that today.

What was going on in this conversation? Is Jesus casually telling those around him how to spot the change in season?

Jesus had this amazing ability to talk to people in language they clearly understood. And He spoke about a lot of agriculture. It was language the people living at that time knew well. I think people today can still relate.

Let’s look at the Parable of the Fig Tree.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!...” Matthew 24:32:35 NKJV

What? What is at the doors?

The very next verse begins to explain it quite clearly.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44 NKJV

Who is at the doors? What is just about to happen? Jesus. Jesus is at the door. He is coming again!

My mind immediately went to the verse where He stands at the door and knocks. It’s in the last chapter of the Bible. It’s Revelation chapter 3 and it talks about three churches: The Dead Church. The Faithful Church. The Lukewarm Church.

Do you now in which of those churches He is standing at the door knocking? I think we can rule out the faithful church. They have already opened the door.

It’s the lukewarm church. Take a look.

“…‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV

It is in the lukewarm church that Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He’s not knocking at the dead church, or the faithful church, he is knocking on the doors of the hearts of the people in the lukewarm church.

It’s not the world He stands and knocks, it’s at the church. The lukewarm church of Laodicea. Are we that church??

“The church at Laodicea stands out from among the six other churches Christ speaks of in Revelation chapters two and three because traditionally, and I believe for good reason, it represents the church in its last stage of human history. While this point can be argued one way or another, one thing is true: Christ had not one word of commendation for this particular church.

“If we believe that the coming of the Lord is imminent, then we believe that we are now living in the last days. We do not put a date stamp on that statement; we simply believe that Christ is coming soon to take His church away. Until that time comes, we are here to be the Church by remaining aligned with His will and His work, being led by the Spirit of God.

“Because this church so closely mirrors the mindset and character of today’s church, we should all pay very close attention to Christ’s words and warning to them. The Lord’s message to this church is a multi-faceted one, but the overarching thrust of the letter is repentance. After the Lord rebukes them severely throughout, we come to the end and see His heart; He desires for them to come back to return to Him. His words to them find their application not only in the church itself, but also to each and every believer.” (Source: biblestudytools.com)

As the new flowers and buds announce spring, let us also keep our eyes and hearts pointed towards the soon return of our Savior. His will is that not one single person perishes, but it is our choice. Make that choice today to accept Jesus as your personal savior.

by Jeanette Stark – Monday, April 17, 2023