Topic: The Gardener

Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, `For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 8 "`Sir,' the man replied, `leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' " (NIV)

The fig tree failed to produce fruit or figs. The owner says to cut it down. The fig tree is useless and is taking up space that could be used by a more productive tree. The gardener pleads with the owner to give him and the tree one last chance. The gardener will go the extra mile. The gardener will fertilize the tree, prune it, and aerate the soil around the tree. The gardener will encourage the tree, maybe pray for it, and water it when needed. The gardener may even talk to the tree. Truthfully, the future of the tree is uncertain. The cause of the tree's failure is unknown. Time is short. A reprieve is given. A year of work lies ahead. The outcome of the gardener's work is unknown. The gardener willingly takes the burden upon himself, not knowing if anything good will happen. Failure is probable since the tree has not produced in three years. The gardener assumes responsibility for the future success of the tree. The gardener will do everything he can to make the tree bear fruit. However, the gardener cannot really make the tree do anything. The gardener cannot really control the tree. The gardener can only provide the tree with all it needs in hope that the tree will respond. In our life, Jesus is the gardener, for Jesus cannot make us do anything. Yet, He has taken our life upon Himself in the form of the Cross. He has taken our life into His hands and now seeks to help us, nurture us, and love us.

If these words have been a blessing to you please forward them to a friend.

These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites called Wisdom Moment. This site is located at:
https://www.shepherdscare.net/wisdomminute

Shepherd's Care Ministries Main Site located at:
https://www.shepherdscare.net/