The Parable Of The Barren Fig Tree

“I wanted to tell you a story…”A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He went to look for fruit on it-but found none. So he said to the gardener, “For three years I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it take up the soil?” But the gardener replied, “Sir, leave it alone for one more year. I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit  next year, fine. If not-then cut it down.”(This story is found in Luke 13:6-9.)

“Let Me explain what this story means…” The fig tree had time. The owner had patience. But patience doesn’t mean there’s no deadline. The Father looks for fruit in your life-real change, real obedience, real love. And He’s merciful. He gives you time. He gives you care. He gives you truth. But don’t mistake His mercy for permission to stay unfruitful.

There is a time to be dug around. There is a time to be nourished. And then-there is a time to bear fruit. “My parables matter because they reveal the Kingdom.” I didn’t speak these stories on My own. In John 12:49-50, I said: “For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His  commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak.” This story came from the Father-to call you to grow before it’s too late.

And in Matthew 24:35, I said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” So let this be your year. Turn back. Grow strong. Bear fruit. Because time is mercy… not  forever.