The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)
“And He told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit on it and found none. He told the vineyard worker, ‘Listen, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it even waste the soil?’
“But he replied to him, ‘Sir, leave it this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. Perhaps it will bear fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.’”
As we wait for the abundant harvest from all the seeds which have been planted over the years and seeing our sleeping giant awaken, I am reminded that in farming we have to be patient as we watch our crops grow and that some crops take years to come to fruit – particularly fruit trees.
The parable of the barren fig tree shows us Jesus’ understanding of the importance of patience, especially in agriculture. The vineyard owner has run out of patience but the vineyard worker suggests waiting for another year, during which time he will nourish and nurture the tree in the hope that it will eventually flourish. The message is clear, while judgement will come to those who do not bear fruit, our patient and encouraging God gives us time for that fruit to be nurtured and developed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you that in Your judgement You remember mercy. Help us to nourish and nurture Your seeds as we work for a fruitful and sustainable harvest.
Ukraine
It is difficult for us all to watch what is currently happening in the Ukraine though I’m not so sure many folks realise how this will severely impact our global economy, especially the poor. Ukrainian famers have been unable to plant the wheat seeds which they normally harvest in the autumn. Their normal surplus feeds a sizeable proportion of the world’s population and in fighting for their nation’s freedom and democracy, they have turned their ploughshares into swords.
As we pray into the Ukrainian situation, let us remember their farmers and that somehow through all that is happening many are able to plant, nourish, nurture and harvest their precious wheat seeds and that their surplus will be able to be shipped to their global customers.
