Highlighting – “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’” (v.8 – 9)
Jesus tells a parable of a farmer who has a fig tree that has not grown any fruit. In speaking to his vineyard keeper, the farmer tells him to cut the tree down as it’s a waste and using up good soil. The vineyard keeper asks for the farmer to give the tree one more year to bear fruit, after he has added fertilizer to the ground, and if the tree remains fruitless, then he will cut it down.
The relationship between the farmer and the vineyard keeper reminds me of God and Jesus. Jesus Christ helps us through the Holy Spirit working in us, to bear fruit. God desires of us, believers, to bear fruit by abiding in Jesus Christ.
There are a few things I would like to highlight in this passage, one, we must bear fruit. Two, the need for spiritual nourishment. Lastly, God’s willingness to always give us another try. To bear fruit is to produce good deeds as a result of your faith in Jesus Christ, and submission to the Holy Spirit living in you. When we don’t bear fruit, it’s an indication of lack of desire to grow spiritually, altogether a lack of love for God. “Fruit” naturally comes from spiritual growth, and spiritual growth comes from building a relationship with God through your connection to the Source, Jesus Christ (John 15:1 – 11). We receive “fertilizer” in many fashions, through sermons in church, reading the Bible, constant prayer to God and communion with Him, but not everyone willingly receives this spiritual nourishment leading to bearing fruit. Additionally, God’s grace is in abundance right now. He gives us new mercies every single day and does not deal with our sins as we truly deserve (Psalm 103:10). Let’s ask ourselves, am I taking God’s grace for granted? Am I bearing fruit? Do I love God enough to follow His commands with joy?
Dear God, I love You with all my heart, mind and soul. Help me to bear fruit of the Holy Spirit. I do not only want to be a Christian in word, but in conduct as well. Please help me to completely submit to You so that You may work through me and I fulfill Your will for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
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