Mark 11:12-25; 2 Corinthians 1:1-7; Lamentations 1:1-12
Our landscape is dotted with metropolitan centers which once boasted of extraordinary things. In their glory days, citizens could look toward a promising future while enjoying the good life. Such communities trusted the empty promises of a world whose mantra shouts out “Eat, drink, and be happy!” Sadly, many lives have fallen into ruin pinning their hopes on this empty promise.
The king of Assyria made such promises to Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah. “Make your peace with me… Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree.” (2 Kings 18:31). The Assyrian king promised so much on the surface, but his empty words were offered so that he might snatch the people away from God.
Chasing after worldly things brings decay and death. Even as the fig tree bears the promise to provide food, there are limits to its ability. There can be no doubt; the world’s promises are empty and shallow. Yet in Christ there is hope. Jesus has won the victory over death. By God’s grace through faith, we are saved. In these words, God’s people find hope. Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Only Christ can make such a promise, for only through him are people saved.
Prayer: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, and his mercy endures forever. Amen.
In the Beginning 