The Barren Fig Tree
When Jesus said, “I come not to bring peace but sword” he wasn’t kidding. Many look at Jesus as passive but some of his words cause fear. We may not need to fear what the world can do, but we should fear what God can do to us eternally. If you aren’t barring fruit necessary for His purpose, He might take you out. Here is scripture that causes me to shudder because Jesus doesn’t stutter:
Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? Luke 13:7
In this instance Jesus is talking to Israel and Judah, but we can take him at his word that if we are not a fruitful part of his kingdom, we should be concerned for ourselves. Praying the sinners prayer and being baptized is not the end of our responsibility, it is only the beginning. We must turn from our sinful ways and transform into the likeness of Jesus. We may not be completely sinless, but it should be our goal. If you go to church, you are that fig planted in the vineyard where the ground is fertile, so you had better hope the vinedresser keeps praying for you so you are not cut down.
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:8-9
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