The Barren Fig Tree # 2

The Barren Fig Tree # 2

But the fig tree was not cut down. The dresser of the vineyard begged for another year. "Master," he said - "let it alone this year also, until I shall dig about it, and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well; and if not, then after that you shall cut it down." If it might stay another year - he would take double pains with it; he would dig the ground around it; he would fertilize it well; he would do all that could be done. Perhaps it might bear fruit after all. If so, it would be well - a tree would be gained. But if not, then he would ask for no more delay - then let it be cut down. It was the fig tree's last chance!

The Lord Jesus Christ pleads for sinners - for the useless, the formal professor, the impenitent, the unbelieving; for those who do no good, but rather harm; for cumberers of the ground. Once He died for sinners - and now He pleads for them. Not merely for sinners in general, but for this person and for that person, one by one. That he may not be cut down, that more time may be granted - more yet after so many years of patient longsuffering, another year: "this year also." Yes, perhaps sometimes that very space of time - who knows? "Let it alone this year also." He is pleading thus for the unprofitable professor continually.

Then the gracious Saviour uses further means with him who is thus spared; for He is Lord of all, He has all means and instruments within His power. Perhaps He orders a man's lot so that he shall hear the gospel message more faithfully and forcibly delivered, than previously. Perhaps He leads him away from worldly acquaintances and gives him new friends of a better sort, who love God and seek to obey Him. Perhaps He tries him with affliction, disappointments in his worldly plans, lays him on a sick bed, or sends death into his family. Meanwhile conscience speaks within; thoughts arise in the heart; the Spirit strives there. Thus the Lord Jesus deals with the soul for whom He has pleaded.

"If it bears fruit, well!" If he who was so long unprofitable, begins now to serve God, if the conscience is awakened and the heart changed, if he be brought to know himself a sinner and to believe in Jesus as his Saviour, if thus he becomes "a new creature in Christ Jesus" and begins thenceforth to live to God - then it is well indeed! Angels rejoice; glory is brought to God; another useful member is added to the Church on earth - and a soul is saved!

But "if not". Ah, how sad an "if" is this! We do not know the end of the fig tree. The parable leaves off at this point: "If not - then after that you shall cut it down." We are not told whether it bore fruit and was allowed to stand - or was unfruitful still and was cut down at the end of the year. This seems to make the parable apply with peculiar force to those who are even now being dealt with as the fig tree was to be dealt with during that year.

It may be that you have been unfruitful hitherto - and that now God is dealing with you in some new way. Are you in trouble of any kind? Has sorrow visited you? Has your health failed? Has sickness fallen upon you? Are you laid aside?

May not the reason be that the Lord Jesus has pleaded for you that you might have more time, and that now He is dealing with you as the dresser of the vineyard was to deal with the fig tree? If so, how gracious is He in this very affliction! It is for your soul's good. "Let it alone this year also!"

Ah, do not let so precious a season slip away! Let not one day slip away! All may yet be well - if you turn to God with all your heart and seek mercy through the blood of the Lamb and begin to live to God.

Let there be no "if" in your case; no "not." Let the great question be settled at once. Do not delay. Seek your Saviour now. "Behold, now is the accepted time - behold, now is the day of salvation!"

~Francis Bourdillon~

(The End)