SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1,2, Matthew 21:18-22

In 1 Timothy 2:1,2, the second word that is used is “prayers” which is the Greek word pros-yoo-khay.  Pros-yoo-khay is used in Matthew 21:18-22.  This is the passage where Jesus speaks to the fig tree and commands it to wither from the roots.  We are told in verses 21,22, “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer/pros-yoo-khay, believing, you will receive.’”  Pros-yoo-khay is a prayer where we ask for something to be removed.  It is where we ask for God to wither a fig tree from its roots.  Is there any doubt that a pros-yoo-khay is a judicial prayer that withers something all the way to its roots because it refuses to line up with God’s Word?  This prayer is about as judicial as anyone can get.  It is very obvious that the context is the church. Jesus turned the money-changers out.  The fig tree was a visual example.  The tree had no fruit.  It looked great.  It was leafy green.  But it produced zero fruit.  How could we have assumed that just because the Scripture says “prayer,” it means Priestly prayer?  Our tradition has made the Word of God of no effect.  As a result, we have leafy green politicians that look great but bring no fruit, because the church has enabled their evil rather than demanding God’s removal of it.  Traditions change!