Growth is Expected

And He told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vine dresser, "Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?" And he answered him, "Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down." Luke 13:6-9

This story illustrates a few things:

The owner, God, comes expecting fruit

There is a cost for unfruitfulness

The vine dresser, Jesus, pleads for us and places manure around us

He sees how He could perhaps get us to grow

At the end of the day, if we are unfruitful, we get the chop.

 We are expected to grow fruit. The fruit that is expected is that we believe in Him and do exploits.

He encourages us to produce fruit with manure. Be mindful that manure stinks, it will not be a pleasant experience. It is much better to voluntarily produce fruit. Manure is not only stinky but obvious to all. Everyone will smell the manure. Much like: humble yourself or you will be humbled.

Remember, growth is imperative. Amen!