God in us – Day 14

We are currently discussing how we, as believers, can make God’s kingdom visible on earth. Jesus’ parables and his way around people become our source of information.

The parable of the fig tree makes it clear that the owner expects fruit from the vines and the fig tree, even though the latter stands out as “different, strange, queer” amongst the vines. Because the fig tree was exposed to the same favourable circumstances as the vines, there is no reason whatsoever for it not to bear fruit. If you are a citizen of his kingdom, he expects fruit from you, because he “chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)

Even though the owner had every right to cut down the tree, the vine tender pleaded with him to give it another chance. He undertook to take special care of the fig tree in the hope that it will bear fruit, because if it did not bear fruit, it would be cut down. Not only was it unfruitful, but it also used up the soil.

If this is your life, I have good news for you! Just as the owner of the vineyard made provision for grace, by visiting for the third time, God creates opportunities for more grace in your life.

The vinedresser, Jesus Christ, knows God’s grace and asks for another chance to turn you into a fruit bearer. He undertakes to dig up the hardness in your life himself and to provide you with the necessities to enhance the growth of your fruit.

Why is there so much emphasis on bearing fruit?

You are known by the fruit that you bear (Matthew 7:16). Good fruit bears witness of a holy, growing and committed life to Jesus Christ. For example, the things stored up in your heart is made visible by the words that come out of your mouth and it reveals the kind of fruit that you bear (Luke 6:44-45). Are your words of such a nature that his kingdom becomes visible to bystanders?