“And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’”Luke 13:7 ESV
Reflection: do you believe in coincidences or a greater purpose?
Not sure about you, but I have at times in my life looked at my own situation and wondered, “how did I get here”? Thankfully, it has often been from feeling blessed in so many ways. But, of course, also when things have been difficult, and the question becomes more like “how do I get out of here?”
Take work, for instance. I have worked in groups and for managers that have been pure joy and such a blessing. And in those situations, it was easy to be positive and helpful towards colleagues. To “produce good fruit” as a Christian. However, I have also been in difficult situations, with very unfair managers and backstabbing colleagues. A lot more difficult to “produce good fruit” as a Christian in those circumstances. And I must admit, I have then prayed to God to put me in a different situation. But, that didn’t always happen. So was that also God’s plan?
Jesus tells a curious parable about a man that has planted a fig tree in his vineyard. And as we read in our focus verse, the tree has not been producing any fruit. Now, notice that the owner of the vineyard has been patient, waiting for the tree to produce for three years. But nothing. And he is about to cut it down, but the caretaker tells him to give it one more year. He agrees.
Now there are several interesting things to see here. First of all, did you notice it was a “fig tree”, planted in a vineyard. A fig tree among vines producing grapes. It was in a way “out of place”, not fitting in with the other trees. But it had a specific purpose, a decision that the owner and vinedresser had made. Jesus doesn’t say here why, but it was clearly planted for a special purpose. Secondly, we see that the tree is expected to produce. Otherwise, as the owner says, it is only “using up the ground” without any results.
Feel a bit out of place these days?
Like a fig tree planted in a vineyard? I am not promoting anyone staying in a harmful or dangerous situation. But you should consider whether God has planted you there for a very specific purpose. Not to be barren because you don’t fit in. And not to produce grapes as the others are, but to produce figs which only you can. Just imagine, when you feel “out of place”, perhaps God has entrusted you with a very special assignment.