A Little More Patience
Today’s Verse:
Luke 13:9 ESV
(Jesus said) “And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down”
In the heart of Lent, we often reflect on our shortcomings, our barrenness, and the ways we fall short of the fruitful life God intends for us. Jesus, in His parable of the fig tree, paints a vivid picture of this struggle. The owner, finding his tree fruitless for three years, declares it should be cut down. Yet, the gardener pleads for mercy, a little more time, and a chance to nurture and cultivate.
This gardener represents God's patient and loving nature in many ways. He sees not just the barrenness but the potential for growth. He offers not condemnation but a chance for renewal. He is willing to dig around the roots, fertilize, and invest time and effort in the hope of future fruit.
As we journey through Lent, we are invited to consider:
Where are the barren areas in our lives? Are there relationships, habits, or aspects of our faith that have become stagnant or unproductive?
Do we trust in God's patience and grace? Do we believe that God can bring forth new life even in our weakness?
Are we willing to allow God to cultivate us? Are we open to the digging, the fertilizing, and the pruning that may be necessary for growth?
Luke 13:9 reminds us that God's patience is profound. He sees our potential, even when we cannot see it ourselves. He offers us not immediate judgment but a chance to bear fruit and grow in grace.
Let us embrace God's patience during this Lenten season. Let us allow Him to dig around our roots, fertilize our faith, and nurture us into the fruitful disciples He calls us to be. Let us remember that even in the midst of our barrenness, there is always hope for new life in Christ.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, thank you for your patience and love. Forgive us for the times we have been unproductive. Help us to trust in Your grace and to allow You to cultivate us. Give us the strength to repent and the faith to grow in your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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