A Fertile Time For Bearing Fruit

[Mr. M]

Luke 13:6. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 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? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Think of the virus as dung.

My point is that the situation in the world, especially if things get worse and worse,
actually creates fertile ground for the Gospel. So if Christians can't bear fruit....?

 

[Messerve]

Luke 13:6. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 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? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Think of the virus as dung.

My point is that the situation in the world, especially if things get worse and worse,
actually creates fertile ground for the Gospel. So if Christians can't bear fruit....?

Interesting point. I agree that may be what this is. Dung seems like a fairly accurate analogy to me for how I feel about this whole thing. I asked a friend last week and he used a different word, but essentially the same thing.

For me the confusion lies on where do we draw a line at which point we can say the Church as a whole is bearing fruit rather than just individuals? Because certainly individuals are bearing fruit all the time, though the Church as a whole may not be as faithful as it ought to be.

 

[Mr. M]

For me the confusion lies on where do we draw a line at which point we can say the Church as a whole is bearing fruit rather than just individuals? Because certainly individuals are bearing fruit all the time, though the Church as a whole may not be as faithful as it ought to be.

I used the term church in addressing the forum but as you indicate, bearing fruit to my mind is measured by an individual's ability to abide in the Peace of Christ. I can say that from my comfy seat in retirement, that this pandemic hasn't really upset my lifestyle or my Joy and in the Lord. I have no desire to judge others, but pray that they will not be disturbed by 'reports of End Time Signs'. Not buying, or drinking the KoolAid.
The Fruit of Righteousness is "Peaceable".
Hebrews 12:11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
James 3:18. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Sowing Peace, Amen.
James

 

[icxn]

I think the metaphor is quite apt: dung being something unpleasant that generates disgust, but nonetheless conducive to growth. Just like the Gentiles (dung), when they were added to the OT Church (fig tree) and cultivated by Christ (the master Dresser) and His disciples (also dressers) during His first coming (3rd year visit), gave life to the Church and produced the fruit of righteousness. Or just like laborious repentance (fasting, mourning, self-abasement) is conducive to spiritual growth. So the grateful bearing of sufferings of any kind, especially illnesses, is a very good source of spiritual nutrients for the soul.

 

[Messerve]

I used the term church in addressing the forum but as you indicate, bearing fruit to my mind is measured by an individual's ability to abide in the Peace of Christ. I can say that from my comfy seat in retirement, that this pandemic hasn't really upset my lifestyle or my Joy and in the Lord. I have no desire to judge others, but pray that they will not be disturbed by 'reports of End Time Signs'. Not buying, or drinking the KoolAid.
The Fruit of Righteousness is "Peaceable".
Hebrews 12:11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
James 3:18. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Sowing Peace, Amen.
James

I agree, though it will be more difficult if I were to get reported by a neighbor for something like going to see my parents or going hiking... It's one thing to not drink the [Flavor Aid], but it's something else when those who do decide to "fire" at your "transport plane".

 

[GospelS]

Interesting. I think it creates a ground that is waiting for the seed and ready to receive the seed (planting/sowing).

 

[faroukfarouk]

Interesting. I think it creates a ground that is waiting for the seed and ready to receive the seed (planting/sowing).

Good to know that the Lord of the Harvest is indeed sovereign.