Bible Reading: Luke 13:6-9
In Luke 13:6-9 Jesus told a story about a fig tree that didn’t produce figs. The owner of the vineyard where the tree grew wanted the tree cut down. He believed the tree was a waste. He believed it was simply using up valuable resources such as soil, time, and labor.
The caretaker of the vineyard said, “Sir,…leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.” He believed that the tree was worth saving. He was willing to be patient and do the work necessary to cause the fig tree to produce fruit.
Sometimes we are like the impatient land owner. We want Jesus to return now. We want the old earth and all sin to be destroyed and God's promised perfect kingdom to come. We don’t want to wait. We don’t want to continue doing the hard work or enduring the discomfort of earth. We want all the benefits of heaven now.
However, God wants us to become more like the caretaker, diligently working at the tasks God has given us to do. Focused on doing our best to help God’s kingdom to grow. Patiently nurturing new believers in Christ so they will mature and bear more fruit by taking up the tasks of kingdom-building and disciple-making in their turn.
Ask God to help you to patiently and diligently focus on the tasks He has given you to do until Jesus returns…and Jesus will return, at just the right moment. Until then, let’s all work hard at adding souls to God’s kingdom because God isn’t ready to give up on people yet.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to patiently and faithfully do the work You have given me to do until Jesus comes again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.