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WHAT NOW? - WHEN THERE'S NO FRUIT
by Pastor Mike Fortune
January 28, 2017
- Be patient (Luke 13:6-7; Philippians 1:6)
- Let God do his job (Luke 13:8; John 15:1)
- Don't be useless, an obstacle, unrepentant (Luke 13:9; Isaiah 5:1-7; Isaiah 55:6-7)
Luke 13:6-7
6 Then 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. 7 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.'"
Philippians 1:6
6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Luke 13:8
8 "The gardener answered, 'Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.'"
John 15:1
1 I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.
Luke 13:9
9 "'If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.'"
Isaiah 5:1-7
1 Now I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill. 2 He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with the best vines. In the middle he built a watchtower and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks. Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes, but the grapes that grew were bitter. 3 Now, you people of Jerusalem and Judah, you judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What more could I have done for my vineyard that I have not already done? When I expected sweet grapes, why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes? 5 Now let me tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will tear down its hedges and let it be destroyed. I will break down its walls and let the animals trample it. 6 I will make it a wild place where the vines are not pruned and the ground is not hoed, a place overgrown with briers and thorns. I will command the clouds to drop no rain on it. 7 The nation of Israel is the vineyard of the LORD of Heaven's Armies. The people of Judah are his pleasant garden.
Isaiah 55:6-7 (Scripture Reading)
6 Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. 7 Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.