SCRIPTURE: Luke (NIV) 13:6 Then he [Jesus] told this parable: “A man had a fig-tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig-tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig round it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
OBSERVATION: An owner of a vineyard would have a gardener’s understanding of the plants growing in his vineyard. He would know what is growing and what to expect from each plant.
The fig-tree in the parable Jesus told was a disappointment to the owner; it had no fruit, and for three years had produced no fruit. The worker askes for one more year with a personal commitment to work for its fruitfulness.
APPLICATION: In this parable, I see that the fig-tree is me. I am a plant growing in My Heavenly Father’s vineyard. He has every right to expect fruit from my life.
When He looks at me, I do not want Him to be disappointed! I want Him to find fruit that pleases Him.
Like the peaches I saw in the market, my mouth began to water anticipating the pleasure of enjoying its sweet taste. May my Heavenly Father have pleasure in anticipating the sweet fellowship we will have in His Word as He gives me the SOAP for the day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, what a joy and privilege is mine to work in your vineyard. Use these SOAPs to spur growth and fruitfulness in those who read them. Amen
Pastor Leon
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SOAPs by Pastor Leon 