And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it, and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:8,9
One summer morning when I was a boy, someone came along and told us about a forest fire that was out of control, and how the forest rangers were looking for men to come and help fight the fire. I was too young to go along, but I remember how badly I wanted to go. I can recall thinking about that fire, and how it was damaging and destroying the trees. To me, that was a very sad thing, because trees were so important to me. I wonder if that was in the mind of the dresser of the vineyard when his master spoke of cutting down the fig tree. There was definitely compassion in his response, as he entreated the master to wait another year before taking action. Do we have the same compassion for those about us who fail to respond to the Gospel?
The gardener had a program of work to bring the fig tree into production. His program included digging about the roots to give them the ability to furnish the tree with the water and soil nutrients needed for it to grow and flourish. And he would add fertilizer to give the tree added nourishment. There was nothing lazy about his approach, just as there is nothing lazy about those who work to win souls. The preachers work hard to contact people and to present the Gospel. Others work hard to witness before their friends and relatives. And some work hard to provide the resources needed for Gospel work. There are also those who work hard in prayer for lost souls. The work is necessary, if the souls are to be reached, and the lack of effort on our part is often the reason why so little seems to be accomplished. Although it is only God who can and does save, it is to us that He has committed the work of digging and dunging.
The dresser of the vineyard had a compassion for the fig tree. He wanted to see it be fruitful. But he was also submissive to the master’s plans. He knew that time was important, and that the tree already had opportunity enough. He would not plead for more than one year and he would submit to seeing the tree cut down the next year. We are reminded that God’s spirit will not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3). And when people reject the Gospel, we need to submit to the possibility that their rejection is permanent. No, we don’t give up on them, but we must admit that their rejection is not a reflection on us but on themselves. Just as it was the fig tree’s responsibility to produce fruit, so it is the sinner’s responsibility to repent and trust Christ. And if there is no repentance, our duty is discharged.
Are we compassionate enough about the lost sinners around us to do whatever digging and dunging are needed? Are we submissive enough to the will of God that we leave the results of Gospel work to Him? -Jim MacIntosh