Scriptural Reference:
Luke 13:1-9

1) There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2) And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3) No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4) Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5) No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” 6) 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. 7) And he said to the vine-dresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8) And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9) Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Contemplation:

Many like to find their comfort zone within the Bible. Avoiding those areas that cause them the most concern or discomfort. This is one such area. In a time when people believed that only Good Things happened to Good people, and that you suffer Bad Things it must be due to your secret Badness. Jesus tells them plainly that unless there is a real inner conversion with an open active fruitfulness of the individual; they too will be cut down like the fig tree in his parable. According to the Judgement to come to all.

Judgement? yes there's that politically Incorrect word. The word that many hate. As it denies their selfish desires to chase after their own personal needs and fleshly desires. At the cost of denying the Cross and the Salvation of Jesus Christ. These individuals would have the World believe that God was some sort of soft hearted kindly spiritual being who accepts everyone as they are, Warts and all. In one aspect it is true that God loves all Sinners. Which is why he sent his only Son to take our place as a Sin Atonement. But what must be stated emphatically is that although God loves Sinners, he does not accept or allow Sin. The Sinner who turns away from Sin and bears fruit as a sign of their conversion is one who has been welcome into the Kingdom of Heaven.

While the Sinner who says he has accepted God yet continues to follow after the ways the World and the ways of the Flesh will not be able to show the fruits of the Spirit. They are the ones who will be shocked and dismayed when they are cut down and judged. These are words spoken from a real emotionally charged Lord and Saviour. Not the Sunday School Hippy that goes around saying nice things. Making people feel warm and fuzzy.

Jesus speaks on many occasions in a strong tone. Warning in some while admonishing in others. As an example his temper flared at the Temple when he very physically and verbally drove the merchants out of the Outer Courtyard. He is a compassionate Saviour. By all means. But he isn't a total weak kneed beatnik looking to make everyone happy. He has both the words of comfort and the words of admonishment within him. And he shares all this throughout the Gospel.

So when you read the Gospel Story, be sure to read all of it. Even the parts that make you start to feel unhappy and uncomfortable. They may just be highlighting and pointing to areas in your life that you need to re-examine and work on. A good place to start is the read the book of Luke. Follow this By reading the book of Acts. Both books are attributed to the author Luke and are seen as following one after the other. Giving a good balanced view of life with the Lord. Followed By the growth and Ministry of the early Church.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
I dedicate this time to you,
As a way of Worship,
As a way of Adoration,
As a way Supplication.

Through you all things are possible,
My sins are forgiven,
My path may be made straight,
My heart may be made right with God.

I admit that I am a Sinner,
My past is corrupt,
My heart has been selfish,
My words have been crude.

Yet in you I find redemption.
For your are my Salvation,
For you are my Friend,
For you teach me Righteousness.

Help me Lord to be Fruitful,
To live in your Light,
To share the Gospel,
To follow you faithfully.

I pray this in your precious name,
My Lord and Saviour. Jesus Christ.

Amen