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All of us encounter difficult situations in life.  At times we have a tendency to either terminate the situation prematurely or at the other extreme we may let the situation drag on interminably.  Jesus provides practical guidance for dealing with situations like this, “And He began telling this parable: A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any” (Luke 13:6).  Now in addition to the eschatological implications of this parable for the nation of Israel, we have an individual who is facing a difficult situation.  He has fig tree that has no fruit, it is barren and is taking up space.  Should he terminate it immediately or let it continue on year after year?

The next verse gives his response, “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’”  Note carefully the vineyard–keeper’s response, “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down'” (Luke 13:8-9).  He is saying to the owner “Let me work with it and try to help it and let’s see what will happen.”

What a great example for us.  At times we may want to terminate a situation quickly but we need to ask ourselves, “Have I done everything within my power to ameliorate the situation?”  Or we may be guilty of the other extreme and let an unfruitful situation continue on when it should have been terminated long ago.  The responsibility of the vineyard-keeper is to maximize fruit production – the good news is that God also desires that you bear much fruit.

As you look at your life are there situations where you’re giving up too quickly?  Are you being too hard on yourself and wanting to terminate a situation prematurely?  Have you done everything you can to help the situation?

On the other hand are you holding onto dead wood?  Are you allowing a situation to continue on that should have been terminated?  If you have done all that is in your power and the barren situation is continuing on then perhaps it needs a necessary ending.

We learn in this parable that God’s patience is great and His judgment is sure.  May we “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).