LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil_
Sunday 9th January 2022
BEARING FRUIT
Scripture Reading: Luke 13
He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ Luke 13:6-7
Jesus used parables to teach important lessons about how the kingdom of God operates.
The God of love, mercy and compassion is also a God of knowledge, discernment and judgment. In this parable, He opens our eyes to God’s expectations for us and His attitude to productivity.
▪ God the Father is the owner of the vineyard
▪ The fig tree represents our lives
▪ The vineyard represents the place where God has planted us
The owner of the vineyard came looking for fruit. God designed us with tremendous care. Into each life, He has carefully invested unique gifts and strengths to enable us to function as beneficial citizens of the world. In addition to that, He also plants us in places where we can use our gifts to bless others.
When God invests His treasure in our lives, He expects to reap results. He comes to the place where He planted us to see whether we are bearing fruit or just existing and complaining about the challenges confronting us.
God’s attitude to the unfruitful fig tree is uncompromising: ‘cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ Tough words, but they reveal to us the heart of God. He evaluates our actions and judges the output of our lives.
When we are productive with our lives, we please the Lord and court His favour. He adds up and amplifies the fruit we yield as we diligently put His investments in our lives to work.
Resolve to be results-oriented. Seek to achieve something tangible and meaningful with the gift of life and the many opportunities that God is giving you this year.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to make the most of all that you have invested in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.