95. The Fig Tree's Reprieve

He told this parable. “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. He said to the vine dresser, ‘These three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why should it be allowed to waste the soil?’ He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone one more year while I dig around it, and fertilize it. If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’”

 There were some who told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had murdered in the midst of their religious services. Jesus said, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? No, but unless you repent, you will all perish the same way. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think they were worse offenders than all who dwell in Jerusalem? No, but unless you repent, you will all perish the same way.”

Reflection

This is a message that could be preached in many of our churches today. When God comes looking for fruit from your church, do you have more to offer than committee reports? If your church had one more year to become fruitful, what would you need to do first? 

Prayer: Help me, Lord, do my part in helping the church bear fruit and not just consume resources.