{13:1} There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. {13:2} And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? {13:3} I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. {13:4} Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? {13:5} I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. {13:6} He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. {13:7} Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? {13:8} And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: {13:9} And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Luke 13:1-9
How often do we look at passages such as these
and only read the first half?
Like "Judge not least ye be judged"
many think that means pass no judgment
No, it says, don't do it unless you've already been judged
I've been judged! I'm guilty! I bleed the blood!
This passage could easily be interpreted
"we're all sinners
tragedy could come on any of us"
Yet when we read the scripture
it is full of God's promises
He promises, health, prosperity, protection
wisdom, peace, long life,
and numerous other things
So what is Jesus saying here?
Well, look at the parable!
Produce fruit or face the potential of being cut down
{3:8} Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: {3:9} And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. {3:10} And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 3:8-10
Do you really understand what repentance is?
God keeps having to explain it to me
but I'll share what I know
Most often we think repentance is turning from sin
being sorry about it
but what is sin
it is turning away from following God
In the context of this discussion
repentance is more the turning towards God
And when we turn and face God
Here's what happens
it rains....
{6:7} For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: {6:8} But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Hebrews 6:7-8
Lastly, notice the tree had manure spread around it
meditate on what that could mean
is manure nice?
could it be God is fertilizing you
trying to get you to produce a useful crop
Now go back and read that first passage again
see if God has revealed something to you
if He has
PRODUCE FRUIT
![[pulsating cross]](astar2.gif)
