“S. L.” We look upon the fig tree, in Mark 11:13, as a striking figure of Israel’s condition. Christ came seeking fruit and found none. Israel disappointed Him. There were the leaves of outward profession, but no fruit; and the consequence is, the whole stock is entirely set aside; but a repentant remnant will, by and by, become the nucleus of the restored nation, and then shall Jehovah gather mellow clusters from His fig tree. As to Luke 16:9, it is fully explained by 1 Timothy 6:17-18. Worldly riches are not what properly belong to the Christian; but should they fall into his hand, he should so use them for Christ as that they may yield him a reward in the coming kingdom. We should use the present, with our eye on the future—pass through time in the light of eternity. With regard to Balaam, in Numbers 22, God allowed him to go, because his heart was set upon going. This is a very common case. When persons set themselves to act against God, they are allowed to follow their own bent, in order that they may learn, by the fruits of their folly, what they would not learn in communion with God. The Lord told Samuel to anoint a king, and He told Moses to send spies; but had Israel been in a right condition, there would have been no need for either the one or the other.