More Lessons From The Fig Tree

More Lessons From The Fig Tree

(Go FIG-ure)

I would like to take you on a little journey through some fascinating things that I have learnt while doing some brief research about the fig tree, its fruit, pollination, symbiotic relationship, parthenocarpic action, medicinal characteristics, healing from biblical perspective and introduce an alternate thought on the cursing and the roots. This is being rendered by my practical investigation and considerations from both the obvious and the mystery.

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Gen.3.7

Come take a ride through the orchard and let us reason together.

ROOTS

The fig tree is cursed from the roots. The root cause of sin came through Adam and Eve in the garden, we all know this. Let me suggest that the curse from the root is a precursor (no pun intended) to what Jesus is about to do on the cross as he then becomes the curse for all of mankind’s sin. The root was the disobedient act of eating or indulging in knowledge (fruit) that was forbidden. This root through a tree and its fruit could we say, is dealt with in the words and action of Jesus. This root desire of man to be like god(s) and to have an appetite for this all knowing ability and its sin is cut off and will never bear any fruit, ever again, no matter how hard men will try to reach this knowledge or god likeness.

Am I reaching too far?

Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.Gen.1.11-13

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so. Gen.1.29-30

He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. Prov.27.17-19

So we see that Adam was master over the garden and he blessed everything and he worked the garden and enjoyed the fruit of his labors. But from the fall onward men’s hearts would fail them. But we have a choice of tending to our personal fig tree as we honor our master.

FIG FRUIT/FLOWER The fruit and flower are actually one and the same; they grow as a unit. The fruit/flower emerges just ahead of the leaves. That is why when Jesus looked at the tree he was expecting that there be some resemblance of fruit, or why are there leaves here? But we already know that this tree was specific to a teaching, prophetically and a practical lesson also. (The prophetic regarding Jerusalem and Israel.)

SYMBIOTIC Relationship sym·bi·o·sis

Biology:the living together of two dissimilar organisms, as in mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, or parasitism.

Psychiatry: a relationship between two people in which each person is dependent upon and receives reinforcement, whether beneficial or detrimental, from the other.

The relationship between an infant and its mother in which the infant is dependent on the mother both physically and emotionally.

Any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.

(adapted from online encyclopedia)

The Marriage Arrangement

There is a relationship between over 700 varieties of fig trees and species of wasps. A unique relationship.

The fruit of the fig has an eye that leads into the fleshy part and the wasp enters the eye bringing with it pollen to help with the pollination process and also for the laying of its eggs for reproduction.

But this relationship is based upon the work of the wasp in bringing it pollen. If the wasp is lazy the fruit will abort the maturing process and drop off killing the baby wasps.

Fig trees dot every continent, are very rigorous and will grow in almost any type soil and will thrive in cool climates also. There are numerous fig orchards in the US that were planted and offer various varieties of figs. California being one of the world’s largest producers.

PARTHENOCARPIC Action

The production of fruit without fertilization. Many varieties of the common fig produce fruit through parthenocarpy.

Our rebirth, and continual growth in this life is based upon (1) The WORD of God (the Seed) (2) Our agreement with the word. “Let it be done as you have said.” (Mary and the angel, Luke 1) I ‘choose’ to believe in Jesus and make a word confession and an agreement with God’s word (seed). (3) I trust the WORD (Jesus the living word) and ask, desire, an infilling encounter with Holy Spirit and him to come into me, into my heart and spirit that I might live a godly life and produce the fruit of righteousness. (Symbiotic & Parthenocarpic)

Holy Spirit and Mustard Seed Faith

Let me suggest that after studying the reproductive fruit of the fig tree and some of the facts gathered that I have some basis for my next thoughts.

Follow with me. Let’s consider the symbiotic relationship of the wasp, fruit/flower in respect to fruitfulness.

We represent the fruit and Holy Spirit is like the wasp. (Except he is not lazy) He enters us by invitation and after our being regenerated through repentance and the blood of Jesus cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (Symbiosis) He carries with him ALL the necessary pollen that I will need for my fruit in this particular season to mature and ripen. (We go from Glory to Glory) Now the fig tree can produce fruit up to three times a year, the first two crops are the better, but the third or winter crop can be ok, but slightly less tasty. The new life and action within us is taking on (2) two considerations. (1) One He has brought with him life for me and he has planted seed (egg babies) which will represent life (the word) that will grow and then come out of me as fruit of the Spirit. Also the maturing of the fruit on the tree will be noticed by all, however slightly hidden by leaves, representing humility. Then; when I am at my best (ripened), I will be full of sweetness, nutrition, medicine, and fruit of the Spirit. Holy Spirit also helps me with the many things that are unfruitful or bad for me, giving my intuitiveness wisdom, therefore allowing me the choice to be rid of anything contrary. Things that come through my soul that would affect the work of Christ in me.

Now, if I reject the implantation (impartation) and don’t receive the pollen for the fruit/flower growth to come, I might lose my fruitfulness for a season as the unripened fruit will abort itself and I will be barren.

Parthenocarpic Action

Once I recognize the work of Holy Spirit within me the natural pollination cycle now turns to a spiritual cycle and is benefiting me from within as my spirit and Holy Spirit are on the same course.

I begin to regenerate internally (spirit, mind, heart and soul) and occasionally will need to have an interjection of his powerful input to help me on the path to further maturity to blossom more fully and produce another new crop of first fruits for the glory of God. We therefore should expect more and more fruit production or growing in the Lord. He adds His Faith to my mustard seed faith so that I might have larger expectation in my prayer life and in my actions.

Am I making sense to you?

The Single Eye of the Fruit.

The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Lk.11.34

Keeping purity and what we allow into our lives will have a huge reflection upon our fruitfulness. Also filtering (discernment, testing the spirits) through Holy Spirit gifting as we go about living for the Lord.

Healing Fruit

Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' “Then Isaiah said, "Prepare a poultice of figs." They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered. 2 Kings 20.4-7

We can represent healing for others through prayer, intercession, friendship, service, encouragement, grace, reconciliation, forgiveness, etc.

Then the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Jeremiah?"
"Figs," I answered. "The good ones are very good, but the poor ones are so bad they cannot be eaten." Then the word of the LORD came to me: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. "

'But like the poor figs, which are so bad they cannot be eaten,' says the LORD, 'so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials and the survivors from Jerusalem, whether they remain in this land or live in Egypt. I will make them abhorrent and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach and a byword, an object of ridicule and cursing, wherever I banish them. I will send the sword, famine and plague against them until they are destroyed from the land I gave to them and their fathers.' Jer.24.3-10

We can be likened to the basket of figs and can come under protection or judgment depending upon our heart attitude.

Fig Facts For Your Health Figs are high in natural and simple sugars, minerals and fiber. They contain good levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. Dried figs contain an impressive 250mg of calcium per 100g, compared to whole milk with only 118mg.

Health Benefits The health benefits of figs include promoting healthy bowel function due to the high levels of fiber. Figs are amongst the most highly alkaline foods, making them useful in balancing the pH of the body. They are a good source of potassium, important in helping to regulate blood pressure.

10 Tips for Incorporating Figs in your Diet

1. Eat dries figs as a healthy energy snack. For extra flavor and nutrients, stuff them with nuts and a little honey
2. Add figs to baked goods such as muffins, cakes and muesli bars.
3. Add dried or fresh figs to porridge, oatmeal or breakfast cereals.
4. Stew dried figs in fruit juice with other dried fruits to make a delicious fruit salad. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg before serving
5. Poach figs in red wine or fruit juice and serve with Greek yogurt or creme fraiche.
6. Add quartered fresh figs to a salad of fennel, rocket and parmesan cheese.
7. Stuff fresh figs with goat's cheese and chopped almonds and serve as an appetizer or dessert.
8. Make a fig butter by boiling dried figs in fruit juice until soft. When all the liquid has been absorbed, place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth. Use to spread on rice cakes, toast or crackers.
9. Add chopped fresh figs to rice, quinoa or couscous dishes.
10. Make a fig tart by grinding two handfuls of walnuts in a food processor. Add one packet of dried figs, 1/2 packet raisins, 200ml apple juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Process until the mixture is the texture of a sticky paste. Press into a pastry case and bake at a medium heat for 35 minutes.

http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/fabulous_figs

http://www.organicfacts.net (figs)

So there you have it and our little tour of the orchard ends.

Thank you for visiting.