Instrumental Meditation

Words To Start Our Meditation: Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." He also said, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits."

Moments Of Quiet Meditation: (Accompanied by soft music)

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9 (NRSV) Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard: and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' "

Hymn: "Open My Eyes, That I May See"

Sermon: "He Came Seeking Fruit" Grapes were the main crop on this farm. The fig tree was planted in the vineyard, apparently because the owner wanted to enjoy some figs each year. Because the fig tree had been there at least three years, he felt that it should have borne at least some fruit, but none appeared. Nothing is said about whether the little wasp so necessary for pollinating figs, was there. Perhaps there were none of them around. It appears that the gardener felt that he may not have done all he could to help it to produce. It must be acknowledged that his first responsibility was to care for the grape vines. It may have been that he had not given much thought or attention to this lone fig tree, and felt that its failure to produce was his fault. The tree had been planted there by the owner's instruction. Now, as he took inventory of how his farm was producing, he began to wonder if the room the fig tree required, in which several grape vines could be planted, was not unwise and unproductive use of the soil. A large fig can take up a considerable amount of ground in the expanse of its branches and large leaves. The climate in Palestine is very similar to that in Texas, and is conducive to the production of that kind of fruit tree. The owner brought knowledgeable, experienced help to care for his vineyard and fig tree. The owner wanted the benefit of one who knew how to do what was needed, and he entrusted his crop to his supervision and care. When the time came to evaluate, the two of them talked it over, and the gardener prevailed concerning giving the tree another chance. Though the landlord was ready to pronounce immediate judgment, the vinedresser interceded, saying, "Let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down." A parable is a teaching tool. The symbolism here sounds very much like God is the owner, and Jesus is the advocate, saying, "Give it another chance." God expects each of us to be accountable for the character of our lives and what they produce. Jesus was sent by God, with the purpose of providing us with a Redeemer, one who is interested in providing us a way to receive merciful judgment. Sinners, with the help of God's Son, may be helped to renewed life in spite of failure to have borne good fruit. The work of redeeming the tree involved corrective nurture and even discipline, including pruning. The same may apply to human beings, who are children of God. Even if the tree was helped to bear fruit at the next inspection, meeting the owner's satisfaction, it eventually would age beyond productivity, and die, necessitating its eventual removal. The same is true for people, but maturity and death are considered normal processes of life, rather than judgmental action. This parable was about a tree, but its truths apply to people. It was Jesus' way of imprinting truth by storytelling. It has a wonderful message, for which all of us should be glad.

The Closing Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for providing us with such a potent parable that affords us fresh hope for our lives. We rejoice that you care so much for us that you gave up your life on earth to give us hope of renewal here, and eternal life to follow. We desire to produce ample and good fruit as long as we possibly can, and pray your tender mercy upon us so long as we are alive here, then bless us also in the life which is eternal. These things we humbly ask. Amen.