Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came, again and again, to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
-Luke 13:6-9 NLT
March 25, 2022
Fruit or Nothing
I grew up in a household which contained 4 generations. My grandparents were as different as any couple could be. My grandfather was a tough city kid from Savannah, GA and my grandmother was a country girl from Powellsville, GA.
They were a productive, loving couple. My grandmother brought her country girl lifestyle to the city and our home always had something growing. My grandmother planted grapevines, nurtured and pruned them for several seasons with no results. She asked my grandfather and me to dig up the vines and tear down the trellis. My grandfather convinced her to give it one more year and if the vines didn’t produce, they would be cut down and the trellis removed. God blessed and the next year we had more grapes than we could give away.
In the scripture, Jesus shares a similar story: Christians should be producing fruit (new Christians) or we are not worth the ground we occupy.
Prayer
Lord, let me be fruitful! Amen.
Steward Wade Dugger
Finance Team Member
Lent 2022
We invite you to join us on a 40-day journey of prayer, financial sacrifice, physical activity, and spiritual connection.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare for Resurrection join us as we are reminded, awakened to the great power of God within us, and connect to our role in building with God a world of justice.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.