February 1, 2022 — “Barking up the wrong tree” (Matthew 21:18-22)

“Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.  When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:18-22

“Barking up the wrong tree”

The meaning of this odd phrase is someone who is pursuing a misguided course of action. The origin of this odd phrase is likely referring to hunting. When dogs are included in the hunt, their great sense of smell is key to their ability to track and find an animal. The dog would track an animal until it would be “treed” – or forced to climb a tree. But, animals are quick, and sometimes they move on after a dog first trees it. So, this saying explains when a dog would literally bark at the bottom of the wrong tree after the prey in question moved to the next branch.

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

A lot of people read this text and believe that G-d is not with them because they have not received what they wanted when they prayed to G-d. Often their prayer is so that a loved one is cured, or does not die, or some other desperate prayer.

My friends, G-d wants a relationship with us – a relationship built upon faith, trust, worship and prayer. And G-d wants us to pray often – because a relationship with anyone includes conversation and constant communication. But, if we approach prayer with the intention and expectation that G-d will give to us anything we ask in prayer, well, we are “barking up the wrong tree”.

Spiritually and relationally speaking, “whatever you ask for in prayer” is to be considered as “whatever you need and ask of G-d you will receive if it is in your best interest as determined by G-d.” Remember the “rich young ruler” who asks Jesus “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” and Jesus answered him ” “you know what to do — don’t commit adultery, don’t kill, don’t steal, etc.” And the young ruler said “all this have I done from my youth”. Jesus, loving him said, “one thing you lack – go sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor. Then come, follow me.” Jesus knew even as G-d knows that what is best for us, may cause us to turn away sorrowfully. And yet G-d does not forsake us or forget us. G-d may not give us what we want — but will give us what we need.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, often we do not know what to pray for – so the words stumble out of our mouths thinking you can dispense to us whatever we seek. Help us to remember that you know us more intimately than we know ourselves – and will always give us what we need. Amen.

Pastor Dave