Jesus is Essential
Luke 13:6–9: He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”
That day is coming sooner than we think, and if we do not repent in this life, we will perish. Truly the wrath of God abides on the unbelieving, unrepentant heart. Repentance is nothing less than a radically changed life, a life that has intellectually and volitionally turned from sin.
The fruits of such a life are first inward and then outward for all to see as beautiful works. Is your life changed and changing? Is there fruit? The mere fact that you are alive is due to the grace of God, especially if there is no fruit in your life. The message is: do not presume on the grace of God. He is looking for fruit. If he does not find it, you may be cut down! 1
Walking with Jesus
Matthew 5:16 says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” What will it take to bear more of that kind of fruit in your life?
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
If a life bears no fruit, a life does not have much of a future with Jesus.
Praying
Lord, thank You for pruning me, so I can bear more fruit for You.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
