The lesson here is that God is patient. The fig tree has had three years, and the world is impatient for it to produce. "Cut it down" is easy to say... but patient cultivation is the path that is chosen. It's harder work for certain. But God has shown a willingness to invest, a willingness to work for our behalf, to do everything possible so that we might find our way into the welcoming Kingdom of God. God is not indifferent -- we're called to produce fruit. And yet, God will walk with us every step of the way, so that we might come closer to the life we are called to live.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Monday, June 15, 2026
Luke 13:1–5
Luke 13:1-5
English Standard Version
When bad things happen, we immediately look to justify it. If something bad happens, we try and find a reason, because if we can discover a reason, then we can act differently and feel like we're in control.
Jesus is telling his listeners that they're not in control.
Jesus is telling us that we're not in control.
This is such a hard thing for us to hear, and so very challenging to accept. We want to be in control. We often need to be in control, to feel like what we do has an impact on what happens next.
God is reminding us that we're not in control and that it's ok, because we can trust the one who is in control. There is life beyond this one, so even when it appears that all is lost, we are safe in God's hands.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
Luke 12:57–59
Luke 12:57-59
If you know you owe a debt, and you have a choice to pay the full debt, or to settle for a fraction of it, which will you choose?
What if you cannot pay the full debt? Then you'd likely be very, very eager to settle for a small balance, hoping to find relief and mercy from the one to whom you owe the debt. Any wiggle room in the balance would be met with great rejoicing.
Jesus is urging us not to waste our time. An offer is on the table -- God is extending grace to us. If we reject it, the debt must be paid in full. In the meantime, Jesus has come to extend grace and mercy to those of us who cannot pay.
May we be filled with gratitude at the grace extended to us, and may we not miss the chance to welcome such grace into our hearts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)