Luke 13:6-9. Grace for another year! 31/12/07
{6) Then he 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 around it and fertilize it. {9} If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"
Well here we are at the change of years once again - one concluding and another beginning. Often this is a time when we think back over the past year and look at the achievements, happenings and disappointments that we have encountered through the course of the year. Here we often wonder and dwell on what might-have-been; and all to often we look with a certain sadness at the passing of the year because of one or a number of events in our lives. But at the same time we look to the coming year and wonder what in store us, with hopes that there will be a change for the better. Here we think about how we are going to fair in a life which seems to give so many disappointments; hoping with a sense optimism to the future that things might be better.
Along with this, the end of another year is also often a time when many simply look to New Years Eve as a time to drink and have a good time: another chance to blot out the past and to escape the realities of the future; another chance to merely live for the moment and for a few fleeting pleasures. Which only makes for a worse hangover the next day.
Our reading here however, gives us another perspective with which to look at the end of one year and the beginning of another. Perhaps it is a very sobering perspective, as it also relates to the other thoughts that we might have at this time. Certainly it makes us sit back and take a second look at ourselves and how we view life. But surely it also helps us to realize how grateful we should be, that we have this opportunity to face and carry on into another year.
Most definitely we can not help but understand the meaning of the parable in this reading. The picture used is very clear; even when it is translated to our own lives. The message is there. We might want to protest about the picture it paints for us. We might not like the implications of it for us. But we can not fail to get the idea that Jesus gives to us; and in particular the grace that is extended to us as we conclude one year and enter another. Though we do not deserve to be allowed another year; through Jesus and his love for us, life has been extended for us. We have much to be thankful for.
As we think about all of this, our situation today is very little different from that of the people that Jesus was speaking to here. We too are looking out there for our scapegoats: it is stupid governments fault that we are in the mess that we are in today; if only we didn't have this extended drought; if only my husband or wife was a little more understanding; if only someone out there would have or will do something different or better, then all would be well. Yes, we too, are often looking beyond ourselves, and see the faults and failings of other people and things, as the cause of our problems. Meanwhile we sit back smug in our own self assurance and self-righteousness. Just as those people of Jesus' day were doing, by saying, ‘look at those people suffering - gee they must have been bad people, or that it is them who are causing us to be oppressed by a foreign nation.’
But Jesus does not let them or us off the hook so easily. He says; ‘No, unless you repent you too will perish.’ He places the focus squarely back on each individual – you and me. Unless we have a good hard look at ourselves; and turn back to God, then we deserve more and worse; We don't deserve to see the light of another year.
Now before we start protesting that we are not so bad; Jesus gives us this parable. So let us have another look at the picture that Jesus is portraying to us. The owner of an orchard goes out as usual in the fruit season and inspects his crop. When he gets to the fig tree and sees that it again has failed to produce any fruit: for three years now this tree has not given him a thing. So one can almost hear the chainsaw start up in his mind. The tree is just not worth having. Why should he waste the good soil, water and effort on it? So we would have to agree when he says to the gardener; ‘Get rid of that useless tree.’ But the gardener, Jesus, pleads with the owner; ‘Give the tree another chance. Give it another year.’ Meanwhile he promises to give it special attention – digging and fertilizing around it. Then if it doesn't produce, then we will see about getting rid of it.
It is rather a simple, but graphic picture, isn't it? But we need to remember that this is the picture that is painted of you and me. We are the unproductive tree. God comes to us again at the end of this year and looks at us and in reality, he sees nothing good; he finds nothing in the way of the fruit that he wants from us. We might think that we haven't done too badly; even if it is not a lot. Surely there is something good there in our lives. But when God looks; what does he find? Nothing? Yes there were some tiny withered up woody specks that should have been good fruit. There were those things that we think are good works. But as the Scriptures says; Our best efforts, are the same as a filthy, stained, pair of old underpants. Not only are they just not good enough. But in fact, they are revolting. Our last years efforts of living up to God's expectations are just not acceptable.
Sure, God has brought a lot of good out of last year. There has been a lot good happening - despite the difficulties, frustrations and tragedies. We have been richly blessed, despite the ongoing serious drought and all the rest. But we can't claim to have done that ourselves. We only deserve to be cut off from God and all that is good. We deserve the axe being taken to us and to be discarded to Hell.
But thankfully, Jesus steps in again and again. He offers us a reprieve. He extends his grace toward us and allows us another year here on earth. He offers us again all his goodness and mercy. He reminds us again of his love, forgiveness, peace, joy, power and all the rest, as we go forward. In the coming year he will see to it again that the Holy Spirit is there digging around our roots, in an attempt to help us grow and bear fruit. Sure that might mean that he will make things a little uncomfortable for us from time to time as he tries to get rid of some of those false supports that we have: That is, some of those other things that we hang on to and see as so important in our daily living, but which in reality are only leading us away from living and being the people that God wants us to be. It also may mean that he will allow us to suffer the consequences of our own bad habits and stupidity, so that we can see our faults and failings and so then weed them out of our lives.
At the same time he will provide every opportunity for us to avail ourselves of the fertilizer of his Word to help us to grow and bear fruit. Now, many people today might call my preaching and the reading of the Bible and devotions as a load of manure – a heap of you-know-what, but it is that goodness that we need if we are going to avoid the axe. We need to hear again and again the Good News of the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross and what that means for us now as we live out our lives every day of the week.
It is all of this that is laid on for us as we begin another year. But I guess the big question is; will we make use of it? Will we allow him to work in our lives so that he can bear fruit in our lives? Will we give him a chance? Certainly we are reminded here that he gives us another chance; But will we simply presume on his grace and simply go on doing as we please?
Now, this is the picture that confronts us again as we end this year and begin another. Let us not ignore the importance of what he tells us here. As we begin another year let us do it with thankfulness for his grace, that the Lord Jesus has extended to us again. And as we look forward, let us not presume on our Lord's slowness to punish; but make every effort to make use of the means that the Holy Spirit presents to us, so that we do grow more and more into being the people that God has created us to be in Jesus Christ.
Our Gracious God wants to bear fruit in and through our lives. So let us continually look Jesus Christ and the gifts and help that he wants to give to us. We have been given another chance; so lets go forward into 2008 with repentance and thankfulness; and the desire to live and be what God wants us be. Let us forever look to our Lord Jesus and the cross so that we never forget the grace that he extends to us.
Finally I would like to encourage you as you face another year, with the words Paul in Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. {13} Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. {14} And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {15} Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. {16} Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. {17} And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. AMEN
Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba
{6) Then he 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 around it and fertilize it. {9} If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"
Well here we are at the change of years once again - one concluding and another beginning. Often this is a time when we think back over the past year and look at the achievements, happenings and disappointments that we have encountered through the course of the year. Here we often wonder and dwell on what might-have-been; and all to often we look with a certain sadness at the passing of the year because of one or a number of events in our lives. But at the same time we look to the coming year and wonder what in store us, with hopes that there will be a change for the better. Here we think about how we are going to fair in a life which seems to give so many disappointments; hoping with a sense optimism to the future that things might be better.
Along with this, the end of another year is also often a time when many simply look to New Years Eve as a time to drink and have a good time: another chance to blot out the past and to escape the realities of the future; another chance to merely live for the moment and for a few fleeting pleasures. Which only makes for a worse hangover the next day.
Our reading here however, gives us another perspective with which to look at the end of one year and the beginning of another. Perhaps it is a very sobering perspective, as it also relates to the other thoughts that we might have at this time. Certainly it makes us sit back and take a second look at ourselves and how we view life. But surely it also helps us to realize how grateful we should be, that we have this opportunity to face and carry on into another year.
Most definitely we can not help but understand the meaning of the parable in this reading. The picture used is very clear; even when it is translated to our own lives. The message is there. We might want to protest about the picture it paints for us. We might not like the implications of it for us. But we can not fail to get the idea that Jesus gives to us; and in particular the grace that is extended to us as we conclude one year and enter another. Though we do not deserve to be allowed another year; through Jesus and his love for us, life has been extended for us. We have much to be thankful for.
As we think about all of this, our situation today is very little different from that of the people that Jesus was speaking to here. We too are looking out there for our scapegoats: it is stupid governments fault that we are in the mess that we are in today; if only we didn't have this extended drought; if only my husband or wife was a little more understanding; if only someone out there would have or will do something different or better, then all would be well. Yes, we too, are often looking beyond ourselves, and see the faults and failings of other people and things, as the cause of our problems. Meanwhile we sit back smug in our own self assurance and self-righteousness. Just as those people of Jesus' day were doing, by saying, ‘look at those people suffering - gee they must have been bad people, or that it is them who are causing us to be oppressed by a foreign nation.’
But Jesus does not let them or us off the hook so easily. He says; ‘No, unless you repent you too will perish.’ He places the focus squarely back on each individual – you and me. Unless we have a good hard look at ourselves; and turn back to God, then we deserve more and worse; We don't deserve to see the light of another year.
Now before we start protesting that we are not so bad; Jesus gives us this parable. So let us have another look at the picture that Jesus is portraying to us. The owner of an orchard goes out as usual in the fruit season and inspects his crop. When he gets to the fig tree and sees that it again has failed to produce any fruit: for three years now this tree has not given him a thing. So one can almost hear the chainsaw start up in his mind. The tree is just not worth having. Why should he waste the good soil, water and effort on it? So we would have to agree when he says to the gardener; ‘Get rid of that useless tree.’ But the gardener, Jesus, pleads with the owner; ‘Give the tree another chance. Give it another year.’ Meanwhile he promises to give it special attention – digging and fertilizing around it. Then if it doesn't produce, then we will see about getting rid of it.
It is rather a simple, but graphic picture, isn't it? But we need to remember that this is the picture that is painted of you and me. We are the unproductive tree. God comes to us again at the end of this year and looks at us and in reality, he sees nothing good; he finds nothing in the way of the fruit that he wants from us. We might think that we haven't done too badly; even if it is not a lot. Surely there is something good there in our lives. But when God looks; what does he find? Nothing? Yes there were some tiny withered up woody specks that should have been good fruit. There were those things that we think are good works. But as the Scriptures says; Our best efforts, are the same as a filthy, stained, pair of old underpants. Not only are they just not good enough. But in fact, they are revolting. Our last years efforts of living up to God's expectations are just not acceptable.
Sure, God has brought a lot of good out of last year. There has been a lot good happening - despite the difficulties, frustrations and tragedies. We have been richly blessed, despite the ongoing serious drought and all the rest. But we can't claim to have done that ourselves. We only deserve to be cut off from God and all that is good. We deserve the axe being taken to us and to be discarded to Hell.
But thankfully, Jesus steps in again and again. He offers us a reprieve. He extends his grace toward us and allows us another year here on earth. He offers us again all his goodness and mercy. He reminds us again of his love, forgiveness, peace, joy, power and all the rest, as we go forward. In the coming year he will see to it again that the Holy Spirit is there digging around our roots, in an attempt to help us grow and bear fruit. Sure that might mean that he will make things a little uncomfortable for us from time to time as he tries to get rid of some of those false supports that we have: That is, some of those other things that we hang on to and see as so important in our daily living, but which in reality are only leading us away from living and being the people that God wants us to be. It also may mean that he will allow us to suffer the consequences of our own bad habits and stupidity, so that we can see our faults and failings and so then weed them out of our lives.
At the same time he will provide every opportunity for us to avail ourselves of the fertilizer of his Word to help us to grow and bear fruit. Now, many people today might call my preaching and the reading of the Bible and devotions as a load of manure – a heap of you-know-what, but it is that goodness that we need if we are going to avoid the axe. We need to hear again and again the Good News of the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross and what that means for us now as we live out our lives every day of the week.
It is all of this that is laid on for us as we begin another year. But I guess the big question is; will we make use of it? Will we allow him to work in our lives so that he can bear fruit in our lives? Will we give him a chance? Certainly we are reminded here that he gives us another chance; But will we simply presume on his grace and simply go on doing as we please?
Now, this is the picture that confronts us again as we end this year and begin another. Let us not ignore the importance of what he tells us here. As we begin another year let us do it with thankfulness for his grace, that the Lord Jesus has extended to us again. And as we look forward, let us not presume on our Lord's slowness to punish; but make every effort to make use of the means that the Holy Spirit presents to us, so that we do grow more and more into being the people that God has created us to be in Jesus Christ.
Our Gracious God wants to bear fruit in and through our lives. So let us continually look Jesus Christ and the gifts and help that he wants to give to us. We have been given another chance; so lets go forward into 2008 with repentance and thankfulness; and the desire to live and be what God wants us be. Let us forever look to our Lord Jesus and the cross so that we never forget the grace that he extends to us.
Finally I would like to encourage you as you face another year, with the words Paul in Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. {13} Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. {14} And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {15} Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. {16} Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. {17} And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. AMEN
Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba
posted by Roger at
11:53 am
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home