The God of Fourth Chances
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. What can the parable of the barren fig tree teach us about the blessings of these gifts from God?
This was no ordinary fig tree growing by the side of the road. It was planted in a vineyard, with far better growing conditions than its counterparts by the wayside. In such a situation, its owner had certain expectations – he faithfully came to see the tree each year and had every good reason to believe that he would find fruit.
The disappointment of his expectation is profound. He did not find any fruit at all. He had not expected a bounty, but only a good showing. He had waited patiently season after season for three long years only to have this result. The long wait only served to increase his disappointment.
The fruit tree even took the valuable place of another more fruitful tree that could have grown in its place. Why should it have a place in the vineyard at all when it cannot fulfill its purpose? It seems that the only recourse would be to cut it down.
However the worker asks for a reprieve for this tree. He does not request that it never be cut down. Instead he pleads “not now – not yet”. The worker understands his role is to redouble his efforts and provide special loving care for the tree. This is for a limited time – a trial for one more year – in the hope and promise of long-awaited fruit.
The saving grace of God and the faithful efforts of the worker make all things possible. Yet in the end, the worker relinquishes the outcome to God – “if it must be done at last, thou shalt cut it down – let not my hand be upon it.”
O Holy One……be with us as we seek the fruit of the spirit – may we receive your grace and mercy throughout the seasons of our lives……Amen.
Karen Truscott