Tuesday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 13:6-9
6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’ ”
6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’ ”
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
13:6–9 This parable symbolizes Israel’s last opportunity to repent before experiencing God’s judgment. Three years signifies that Israel has had enough time to repent. Sir, let it alone this year. The period of grace and opportunity is extended, but only for a limited time. Dig around it implies loosening the soil so that water can flow easily to the roots; if the fig tree does not respond, it will be cut … down (cf. vv. 34–35; 19:41–44). The Greek construction suggests that this last attempt will also result in failure. God’s graciousness and patience should not be presumed upon.
Study Questions:
- Not only is God merciful, but he is PATIENT. Jesus' parable symbolizes Israel's last opportunity to repent before experiencing God's judgement. The period of grace and opportunity is extended, but only for a limited time. The patience of the farmer with the fig tree reveals God's patience with us. He expects us to be fruitful, but he is patient with us if we are slow to catch on. Think about how many times you've missed the mark or done your own thing. How grateful are you for God's patience in YOUR life? Who in your life needs more patience FROM you as you give others what he has given you?
- He is patient, but he is also JUST. If the fig tree does not respond, it will be cut down. One of the biggest problems we have in understanding the Christian faith is that we have not accurately understood mercy and justice. If we think God is obligated to be kind to us, that he owes us mercy, then we are confusing mercy and justice. Justice describes what ought to be done to reward those who have been righteous and to punish those who have been wicked. Mercy is NEVER an obligation to God. There is a limit to God's patience and grace. He will not contend with men forever. He is long-suffering and slow to anger, but he does get angry, and there will be a time when every unproductive plant will be ripped up. The clock is ticking. How often do you think of God's anger and wrath? Do you think you have taken his patience and mercy for granted? How might living with God's justice in mind affect our daily decisions?
Pray:
- That you would give others the patience God gives you.
- That you would never take his mercy for granted.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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