Scripture:
Luke 13:6-9 ESV
[6] And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. [7] And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ [8] And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. [9] Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Observation:
I don’t believe you can go wrong by reading and studying the gospels. In fact, the entire Old Testament is pretty much realized in these 4 books. They are a pivotal point in the bible, and here in Luke, chapter 6, we see why. As Jesus tells this parable about a fruit tree, HE is speaking to the religious leaders of that time. HIS method is indirect, however, to the point. if they were paying attention, they would get it and understand, but if they were not, it would go right over their head. That was his purpose for speaking in parables. Bringing up the topic of a farmer and a fruit tree that had not produced any fruit in the last 3 years was HIS way of talking directly to the Jewish leaders and telling them to cultivate the soil of their hearts. They had a responsibility to teach the scripture accurately to all who would listen…and if they did so, the evidence would be in the fruit that was produced. But that’s not what was happening. When the farmer (GOD HIMSELF) came to check on the fruit that was being produced and found none, it was time to do something about it. But a last-ditch effort needed to be made first, let us cultivate the soil around the tree the vinedresser (Jesus) pleaded to allow HIM to dig up the soil and add fertilizer to see if we can’t get some fruit… and if nothing comes this year, we can cut it down the next year. There are a few different parables in the bible about fruit. This one here has a profound impact because it doesn’t talk about pruning but elements the tree altogether due to a lack of any kind of fruit at all. The other parables make mention of fruit. However, the branches need to be pruned for more production. This parable refers to the soil as being the problem.
Application:
So we know that in the parable of the sower, the soil is the condition of our heart. That leaves me with this question. Is there fruit in your life? If not, maybe it’s time for some cultivation. How is that done? You might ask. Well, I believe first and foremost you have to dig into the word. Second, you have to allow it to fertilize your soil. In other words, take the nutrients that GOD provides. HE knows exactly how to get your fruit tree to produce. Soak in what HE gives you. Everything you need to produce fruit has been provided for you. You just have to accept it. Upon salvation, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. In Galatians chapter 5, Paul gives us a picture of what to look for so that we know whether or not there is fruit in our lives or not. First and foremost, are we operating from a position of love? Because everyone steams from that. How about peace is it a part of our lives? Does kindness have any showing in who we are today? Do we exhibit self-control, or are we emotionally driven? My suggestion is that we go to Galatians chapter 5 and take a look at the picture that Paul paints there so that we can see if we have the fruit that our father wants to see…if there are no signs of fruit we need to cultivate our soil so that fruit will be produced. As followers of Christ, we need to do all we can to die of sin. Reading GOD’S Holy word and allowing it to penetrate the hard spots in our hearts is the key to producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Spend some time looking at your life. Look at your tree… is there fruit on it? If there is prune back, the branches so that more fruit will come, and if after taking a deep look at your life you see that there is no evidence of fruit cultivate the soil of your heart fertilize it with GOD’S word daily, and see what happens.
Prayer:
Father, we come to you this morning with gratitude. We know that you give us everything we need to walk successfully with you. Our desire is to see fruit produced in our lives. So we are asking you to help us fertilize our soil or prune back our branches whichever is needed. We just want it pointed out. Our hope is to hear you say well done, my good and faithful servant. We want your presence to be so evident in our lives that all can see it. We live for your glory. Let our fruit be ripe and glowing in every aspect of our lives. We know that you have changed us in an amazing way…and if we are just starting this journey with you. Cultivate the soil of our hearts so that the tree that is our lives will produce fruit 30, 60, or 100 times what is planting. We love you and want our choices and actions to reflect that. Prune us and fertilize us to produce a glorious church for your son. It’s HIS mighty name we pray amen.