T.L.C. by Anthony Walker of Anthony's Desk
He also spoke this parable: “ A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground? ’ Luke 13:6-7
There are a few interesting things to note about this fig tree. This tree was planted in a vineyard rather than randomly scattered. This means that the tree was planned and meticulously planted. Secondly, this tree belonged to someone. Belonging again stresses the point that it was cared for. But after three years of sustained growth, the tree has yet to bear fruit. Those to points leads to a question or few. What is wrong with this tree? Why is this tree not bearing fruit?
A tree that doesn't bear fruit, particularly good fruit (Matt 7:19), is in danger of being cut down. The owner said, "Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?" This tree was cumbering the ground--taking up space. This tree was wasting the life that it was given. This tree was not living up to its purpose.
But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ Luke 13:8-9
Here intervenes the humble vinedresser. He pleads with the owner to let the tree alone for this year while he digs around it and fertilizes it. The vinedresser knows his plants because he is with them all the time. So he asks for an opportunity to take a deeper inspection into the matter giving the tree another opportunity to produce again.
Maybe you've been perspicacious and understand that this parable is all about you. For a season you haven't produced any good fruit. What we also must understand is that you are in danger of being cut down for not using the life that God has given you, for not living up to God's purpose in your life. But Jesus intervenes to save you. He intervenes by digging around your life, cutting out the dead areas and then fertilizing you by injecting life into you. He has saved you and shown you tender love and care. Jesus saved you so that you may produce again.
There are a few interesting things to note about this fig tree. This tree was planted in a vineyard rather than randomly scattered. This means that the tree was planned and meticulously planted. Secondly, this tree belonged to someone. Belonging again stresses the point that it was cared for. But after three years of sustained growth, the tree has yet to bear fruit. Those to points leads to a question or few. What is wrong with this tree? Why is this tree not bearing fruit?
A tree that doesn't bear fruit, particularly good fruit (Matt 7:19), is in danger of being cut down. The owner said, "Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?" This tree was cumbering the ground--taking up space. This tree was wasting the life that it was given. This tree was not living up to its purpose.
But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ Luke 13:8-9
Here intervenes the humble vinedresser. He pleads with the owner to let the tree alone for this year while he digs around it and fertilizes it. The vinedresser knows his plants because he is with them all the time. So he asks for an opportunity to take a deeper inspection into the matter giving the tree another opportunity to produce again.
Maybe you've been perspicacious and understand that this parable is all about you. For a season you haven't produced any good fruit. What we also must understand is that you are in danger of being cut down for not using the life that God has given you, for not living up to God's purpose in your life. But Jesus intervenes to save you. He intervenes by digging around your life, cutting out the dead areas and then fertilizing you by injecting life into you. He has saved you and shown you tender love and care. Jesus saved you so that you may produce again.
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