In the book of Luke, Jesus tells a short and interesting parable:
“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. 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.’
The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9 NLT
In the parable, the tree was not bearing any fruit. It was not fulfilling the gardener’s intended purpose for its existence and had no results to show for itself.
As a result of this, the tree was “taking up space” that could have been filled by another tree that actually does bear fruit.
After years of no results, the tree’s lack of fruit-bearing disappointed the gardener, and the gardener had every reason to cut it down.
Despite the years of consistently failing to produce fruit, however, the gardener advocates for the fig tree to be given another chance, another year, and a new opportunity to produce fruit.
Not only does the gardener afford the fig tree another chance, but he also commits to giving the tree “special attention and plenty of fertilizer.” All the care and resources necessary will be given to the tree for it to have the best chance at bearing fruit in the new year.
The tree in the parable is an illustration of you and me as believers in Christ.
In many places, the Bible uses trees to symbolize God’s children: “That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”(Isaiah 61:3 NKJV).
Speaking of one who follows God’s counsel, the Psalmist says “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3
You and I are trees in God’s garden, and His wish is to see us bear fruit that glorifies Him. These fruits include, among other things, the Fruit of the Spirit which reveal His character (Galatians 5:22-23) as well as to fulfill God’s plan for each individual life.
It may be that in the last year, or two, you may reflect on life and be disappointed at what seems like a lack of fruit-bearing, a lack of growth, or a lack of real progress in life & faith. With the entrance into a new year, God is affording you and me another chance.
The gift of the new year is an expression of His mercy – the fact that, despite the failings of the last year, God still affords you another opportunity to bear fruit,
Even though God could have many reasons to cut us off for our lack of fruit-bearing, He is merciful enough to grant another chance. It is “through the Lord’s mercies [that] we are not consumed.” Lamentations 3:22
Not only does He afford us another year, but God has also availed every resource necessary for the goal of bearing fruit; He offers His “special attention and plenty of fertilizer.” The first of these resources being our connection with him.
Christ’s promise is “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NKJV
As the new year begins, wholeheartedly embrace the fresh opportunity God has given you this year to bear fruit. Regardless of the shortcomings of the previous year(s), He has gifted you with another year, another chance.
