Stump

Luke 13:6-8

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.’”

We planted an olive tree in our garden a few years back, but it failed to produce anything and didn't grow much. Probably the soil isn't the best and we don't get enough sunshine in England.

Anyway, my better half decided it had to go. Just like in Jesus' story, it was cut down leaving the stump in the ground and another tree planted next to it.

But, as we chatted yesterday, I was informed that the stump of the olive tree had started to sprout new growth.

Job 14 :7 “Even a tree has more hope!  If it is cut down, it will sprout again  and grow new branches.

In many different parts of the Bible God is likened to a gardener - a Perfectionist that is looking for fruitfulness.

We need to be firmly planted  in Jesus, fed and watered by God's Word. Then we can begin to produce good fruit.

Jesus said: Without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Don't be a lonely, cut off branch - only fit to be burned on a bonfire.

Unite yourself perpetually to Jesus and draw your strength and life from Him.

There's a wonderful picture of Jesus foretold in Isaiah 11. Even though the nation of Israel had been cut down, because they had failed to be fruitful in following the Lord there was the promise of hope.

Isaiah 11:1 AMPC And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit.

If you have time, read the chapter, it's full of hope for the future.

Lift up your heart to the Lord today and pray 'Your Kingdom come!"