Second Chance

“ ‘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’ ” (Luke 13:8-9 TLB).

There were no figs on this tree—only leaves.

This parable is about us individually, but it’s also about the church.

Can you hear this conversation between God—the owner of the fig tree—and Jesus, the Gardner?

God: No figs?

Jesus: No, Father. Just leaves.

God: It’s not producing what I intended it to produce.

Jesus: Not yet. But the potential is still there.

God: There’s not even one piece of fruit.

Jesus: No, but I’ll work with it. I’ll nourish it. I’ll pour Myself into the task of preparing it to produce fruit. Let’s give it one more year. If it’s not producing fruit in a year, we’ll cut it down.

There have been times in my life I should have been cut down.

But instead, God has been patient and has consistently exercised the ministry of pruning me. And in that process of pruning, Jesus works within me to produce fruit once again.

Where are you in this process?

Producing fruit?

Being pruned?

Fruitless?

We all want to bear fruit for our heavenly Father.

If you’re not producing fruit, ask Christ to help you.

He is faithful to continue to nurture us,

fertilize us

and bring us to full bloom through His Spirit.

Thoughts?