The Barren Tree and its Keeper

Erik preached on the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13), encouraging us to hear more than the warning “repent or perish.” Here was part of his message:

When we read this passage in fear, all we can hear is the threat—be fruitful or else—and respond by trying to force out as many holy emotions and good works as possible. But this no more possible than it is for a tree in shallow, shady, sandy soil to produce good fruit. When we read this passage in faith, however, we can hear God’s promise to take responsibility for us, doing everything necessary to help us produce love and the works of love. When Jesus told this parable, he wanted us to see God as the vineyard owner, who planted each of us, and the Holy Spirit as the vineyard keeper, who tends and cares for us. Like we read in this morning’s psalm: “You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land… Watch over this vine, the root your right hand has planted, the branch you have raised up for yourself.” God is like a vineyard keeper, cultivating the fruits of the Spirit in each of us.