The Two Baskets Of Figs

-October 29, 2023-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“One basket had very good figs, like figs that are first ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten, they were so bad.”

Jeremiah 24:2).

God brought judgment on the people of Judah and Jerusalem for their rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience. These two baskets of figs symbolize the two types of people in that day: those whom He sent to Babylon for their own good would be assured of God’s care and their return to their homeland after seventy years, and those who stubbornly remained in the land and or those who fled to Egypt would perish.

There are seven different fruits mentioned in the Bible: figs, apples, pomegranates, grapes, olives, dates, and melons. It is interesting to note that Paul refers to the fruit of the Spirit, which are composed of seven fruits. Figs in particular play an important role in prophesy.

Jesus spoke of the fig tree bearing its fruit in summer. He said in Matthew 24:32-33, “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!” Jesus told His disciples of His coming that it was near. He listed so many signs: wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. These are the beginning of sorrows right before His coming. Israel, His earthly people, are right in the middle of it now taking center stage.

The lesson for us is to be like the good figs, which were very good. God promised to take care of His people in Babylon. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Esther, Mordecai, and Nehemiah were all examples of the good figs. Our lives here on earth are good with the Lord in spite of what is happening in the world today.

The bag figs were the disobedient, rebellious people such as King Zedekiah of Judah, his princes, and others who perished by sword, famine, and pestilence. Wherever they went these would strike them and kill them.

We can ask ourselves are we like the good figs, fresh, sweet and juicy or are we like the bad figs that want our own way and refuse God’s way? Only when we do good, obey, and serve the Lord can God use is where we are. The Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, self control. Others around us will see Christ in our lives. Let us be full of mercy and good fruits as we abide in Christ.

Have a blessed day bearing fruit for the glory of God. Stay safe and healthy.

Living a fruitful life in all that we do, being a blessing all the day through,

Dean