Scripture
“The gardener said, 'Sir give it one more chance. Leave it another year and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertiliser.' “
Observation
While we are prone to judging people as particularly sinful when bad things happen to them, God is less quick to judge.
The people who died at the hands of Pilate and those who died in a building collapse were not necessarily more sinful than anybody else.
Jesus then tells a story of a fig tree that bore no fruit. The owner orders the gardener to cut it down but the gardener pleads for one more chance for the tree.
Application
God is the one who has the right to judge and condemn, but He is also the one least eager to do so.
God is the God of the second chance, always waiting to see what fruit we will produce before bringing the axe of judgement.
The less productive people get special treatment and favour from God. God is not about performance and quick judgement. He is about seeing that everyone gets a chance to be saved.
What amazing grace!
Prayer
Father, thank you for this amazing grace which enfolds everyone into its arms, seeking to save as many as will be saved. Help me lord to imitate you by being slower to judge and quicker to love. Amen.
And we all need second chances.. and third... and fourth.....
ReplyDeleteYes we do! :)
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