Topic: Another Chance for Fruitfulness
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25-27; Luke 13:1-21.
Memory Verse: “And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” Luke 13:8-9 (KJV)
Our Bible reading of Luke 13:1-9 tells us of the fatherly role of Jesus Christ. The parable of the fig tree given by the Lord is akin to God the Father owning the vineyard, engaged the Lord Jesus as Gardener to take care of it and we human beings representing the fig trees. When God (the vineyard owner) came and found the fig tree (us) unfruitful, He ordered it to be cut down but Jesus Christ (the Gardener) asked that we be given another chance while He takes care of us by giving us the required spiritual nourishment to grow and begin to bear fruit. He answered God the father in Luke 13:8-9 (KJV), “And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” God expects you to bear spiritual fruit of goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9) and not having any fellowship with the unfruitful work of darkness.
But are you bearing the required fruit? If not, you have a second chance and all you need is to repent of your sins, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, study the word of God and ensure you live in obedience to the word going forward. Then when the vineyard owner comes for your fruit next time, you will have enough to show him. On the other hand, if you continue to live a life of selfishness, catering for yourself alone and not bearing fruit, you may be cut down as you will constitute a tree just occupying the ground without producing any value!
Procrastination in this case is dangerous as you may not have another chance before the owner of your life asks for it. A young man attended a church service and God spoke through the Pastor that there was an armed robber in the church and God asked him to surrender his life in that service as he may not have any other opportunity. The man didn’t and after the service, he went home. On his way, he had an accident and died! He was not given another chance and ended up in hell. Yours may be immorality, bribery, stealing or any other vice, it is important that you repent and surrender your life to God now as this may be the last chance you have before your fig tree is cut down. I pray that you will end well and strong in Jesus name.
Action point: Examine your life and repent of every sin that deprives you of living a righteous life and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero