Luke 13:6-9 – Then [Jesus] told this parable: "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 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?' 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'" (NIV)

This parable about the unfruitful fig tree is all about second chances. The parable relates to us the real ministry of Christ. He is sent among us to reclaim us for God's kingdom. He works hard at preparing the way for our salvation. He gives us stories and teachings, parables and tenets to guide our lives. He even sacrifices Himself for our sins, hoping that we will recognize His hard work in our personal spiritual lives, so that we may become faithful and fruitful Christians. In other words, Christ graciously gives all of us a second chance, a new beginning, a fresh way to be restored to God's favour and love.

I don't know how Christ's ministry affects your life, but I know that I am totally grateful for the work that He has done in me, to reconnect me to God. Without Christ, I still would be a hapless wanderer and a hopeless soul. With Jesus, I am a child of God's grace and a redeemed servant in His kingdom.

Questions for reflection: Do I need a new beginning in my life? Am I willing to let Jesus work that new beginning in me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, only You can restore us to God and only You can make our lives fruitful. Please work within us and around us, so that we may recognize the second chance and the new beginning that You willingly bestow upon us. May we be reclaimed by Your love and blessed through Your grace. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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