Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree that had no figs, immediately after reporting on two tragedies which occurred a short time before. One was a shocking murder of Galileans while they were making sacrifices to God. The other was a sudden accident in which 18 people lost their lives. Jesus sensed that there were those who felt quite smug and judgmental that some were worse sinners, a common belief of that day.
And it is still believed by many Christians today when similar tragedies occur - that these people are being punished by God. We ask, “Why must she or he, of all people, suffer?” Jesus states in no uncertain terms that this is NOT true. On the other hand, when something good happens to us, how easy it is to respond, “Someone up there likes me!” It is not true that people, whose lives are hunky-dory, going smoothly, should automatically assume it means God is pleased with them. Aren’t there unbelievers whose lives are also hunky-dory? What pleases God is repentance and a life of bearing fruit, which is a sign of repentance: Repent and Bear! Repent: “face up to your sins and confess them” make a “180 degree turn around and reorient your life”. Doesn’t have much appeal does it?
No one truly wants to admit that they sin and do wrong, that somehow they are unable to live a perfect or a good life, without lusts or arguments or strife in ones relationships. If someone does something hurtful to us, we usually consider their behavior due to a flaw in their character: “That’s the way she is”; He is always inconsiderate.” But, if we catch ourselves doing something hurtful, we tend to view our behavior as a state of mind or based on our situation – “I was in a hurry; I wasn’t feeling good.” We try to excuse it away or make ourselves look better, or at least, better than others! Jesus warns that someday our excuses will come to an end.
There are some Christians and some denomination that speak of God not condemning anyone to hell no matter what they believe. Therefore, Matthew (3:8) tells us, “Bring forth(bear) therefore fruits worthy of repentance.” Repentance includes sorrow for sin and trust in the one who brings forgiveness and release. The other word that hits home was the expression in our Gospel reading: “bear”. Jesus reminds the people of His time, and us, that we have a mission to bear fruit in our lives, by His grace.
Part of “bearing fruit”” is SHARING! It is in response to God’s tremendous love and mercy that we are empowered to bear fruit, to minister to those we live and work with. If we look at the different definitions of “bear”, we see there are many ways we can show our Christian faith, our repentant life, our acts of love, our good works. So, are we SHARING that story, the hope we have in Christ, with others, family, neighbors, co-workers, those whom you come in contact with? The Holy Spirit is always working in your labors of love, as you pray, smile at someone, offer extra words of encouragement, and every day we are given opportunities to bear (SHARE) fruit to the glory of the one who is our Caretaker.
Rev. Larry Townsend, Circuit Visitor, Atlanta South
