August 18, 2018

August 18, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 12

Running with Jesus  

Luke 13:6-9  He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.  

 (Then he used this illustration: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if he could find any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed.  Finally he told his gardener to cut it down. ‘I’ve waited three years and there hasn’t been a single fig!’ he said. ‘Why bother with it any longer? It’s taking up space we can use for something else.’ “‘Give it one more chance,’ the gardener answered. ‘Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.  If we get figs next year, fine; if not, I’ll cut it down.’”)

                 This is a parable, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, and it needs to be shared with the body of Christ. Let's look at it closely!   A man has an orchard and planted a fig tree. He waited and waited for it to grow and one day he would be able to go gather fruit to enjoy. He went patiently year after year and looked at the tree but there was never any fruit on it!   Fig trees can take 1-3 years before it bears fruit the owner was patient, however one day he finally told his gardener to cut it down it is just taking up space.  The gardner begs to give it one more year and he will tend it and fertilize it and see if it will bear fruit if not he will cut it down.

                Taking up space we need to watch out as a Christian. God does not tolerate for lack of productivity. Too often we want to enjoy God's special treatment but never give anything back! Like I have said, most people want their fire insurance, don't want to die and go to hell, but never give back. Another text tells us we are saved by GRACE through FAITH. But it also so says FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD! The Word says show me your works and I will see your Faith! (James 2:18)  God does not save us to take up space; we were born to work in His kingdom!   Jesus says we can do nothing apart from Him and fruit comes from abiding. If we have no fruit on our trees we are not abiding. Perhaps we need to let the gardener do a little work on us so we can be productive and bear fruit! Let's not just be satisfied with taking up space (He could decide to take us out if we are just taking up space) let our master come and find us bearing fruit. Get involved in something in the Lord's work! He died to save our souls surely we can give back something!

Lord, we want to be fruitful so help us step out of our comfort zones and be useful and fruitful. You expect to see fruit! We don't want to disappoint You! Help us grow in our walk and show us where You are working and help us join in Your work! Forgive us where we fail You. 

                Get involved, our church takes cakes to the nursing home once a month for their birthday’s celebration. Anyone can bake a cake or buy one! 

Tomorrow:  Are you crippled and bent over?