Sheila W. - September 30, 2011
Scripture:
Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 8 " 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "
Observation:
This is a metaphor about Israel, and also the Church. God bears with His children, and then patiently bears with us longer when we do not produce fruit.
Application:
There are many times in my life that no fruit is evident. Those are awful times. Times when I'm thinking about myself first and foremost. I am so thankful that God is patient with me, pruning me, cultivating me, growing me into a plant that produces fruit for His kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, first of all, forgive me for my times of self-centeredness and complacency. You are the great Gardener, and I bow before Your wisdom in how You prune me and cause me to produce fruit. I do want to be productive for Your kingdom, Lord. Change me, change my heart to be centered more around you and the things that enlarge Your kingdom on earth.
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