Throughout this magazine, you will find little boxes entitled “From the Fig Tree.” I felt compelled to share this message with you regarding these boxes. In essence, they are about prayer. There is Biblical reasoning as to why we have named them after a tree, but the story begins with a Scripture.

 

John 1:45-50 (NKJV)

 

The background to this message is found in historical teachings. Israel and the surrounding areas could be viewed as a bleak and uninviting wasteland. However, in the midst of this desert, there are fig trees that provide shade, shelter, seclusion, and beauty. In the days of old, when a priest would need to get away to pray and study, when he would need to find his “secret place,” more often than not, it was under a fig tree.

 

According to the rabbinical teachings in the Jewish culture, Nathanael was under his fig tree when Philip found him. Since the location of a person’s fig tree was privileged information, only a man’s closest and most personal friends would have known which fig tree he could be found under. Now, if you’ll notice in the Scripture, Nathanael agreed to come along and see this Man from Nazareth. As he approached, Jesus identified him. Nathanael asked Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus’ only response was that He had seen him when he was under his fig tree, his secret place. Shocked by the undeniable truth of His statement,

 

Nathanael began to believe that Jesus might be the the King of Israel. Why this stark contrast in behavior? The only statement between the total disregard for this Rabbi and the declaring of Him as the King of the Jews regards a fig tree.

 

Jesus found Nathanael under his fig tree before Nathanael even knew that he needed to be found. I believe that God desires to do the same for us today. I believe He is calling us to a fig tree, not literally but spiritually. We need a fig tree – a secret place for prayer, supplication, praise, and thanksgiving. We need a place to go and some time to give unto the God that hath created us. When we spend time under our fig tree, God can spend time with us. When we are there, our minds and our hearts are open, free and clear of any and all distractions. God wants so much more than to just listen to our problems. He wants fellowship. Remember, as we draw nigh unto God, He will draw nigh unto us. (James 4:8)

 

So, the prayers and thoughts in “From the Fig Tree” are to aid you in your prayer times. These are just topics and ideas that have been laid upon the heart of those working on our staff. This is encouragement, edification, and direction. When we begin to pray and believe together, I believe that all things are possible.