He who tends a
fig tree will eat its fruit
(NIV 1984, Proverbs 27:18).
A newly planted fig
tree takes a few years before it produces any fruit. Jesus told a parable about
a farmer who had invested three years in a fig tree without harvesting any
figs. He was fed up and decided to dig up the tree and plant something else.
His caretaker convinced him to leave the tree one more year, during which time
he would fertilize it and try to salvage the tree. If it bears fruit
next year, fine! If not, then cut it down (Luke 13:9).
Good things are
worth waiting for. I’ve seen microwave ovens, but as of yet I have never seen a
microwave farm. The farmer cultivates the ground, plants the seed, and provides
the plants with just the right amount of fertilizer and water. Then he waits.
In time, the farmer will enjoy the fruits of his labor… literally.
Reminds me of the
old man that told his grandson he was going to plant an oak tree after lunch.
The grandson scoffed, saying such a tree would take decades to reach maturity.
The grandfather responded, “Then I’d better plant it this morning.”
What good thing
would you like to enjoy at the end of the growing season? A succulent apple? A
better marriage? A college degree? A financially comfortable retirement? An
intimate walk with God? Better plant now.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
What would you like to
enjoy a few months (or years) down the road? What do you need to do now to make
that happen?
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