Introduction

In 1990, while serving as the pastor of First Lutheran Church, Potter, Neb., and Grace Lutheran Church, Gurley, Neb., I prepared a series of six daily devotions, calling the collection “All Good Gifts: Devotions for the Harvest.” This is the fifth in the collection.

Reading: Luke 4:1-13

“‘Sir, let the fig tree alone for one more year, until I did around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” (vv. 8-9).

Devotion

Jesus’ parable of the fig tree shows us his Father’s patient nurture of his people. Even when we do not bear good fruit, showing the new life we receive from God, he does not cut us off from him.

Instead, he digs around our roots, aerating the soil of our lives, and he spreads fresh manure, so he may nurture us into bearing good fruit. Jesus is the gardener who cares for us in his Father’s name, pruning us when needed, so we will not face the axe laid to the base of our trunks.

Prayer

Patient Lord, till and fertilize our lives, so we may bear the kind of fruit you desire for us—lives of dedication to you. Amen.

Ut in Omnibus Glorificetur Deus