Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Lord Who Mercifully Awaits

Bible Reading: St. Luke 13:6–9

Key verse: ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.' (Luke 13:8)



DEVOTION

Luke 13:6–9 records the parable of a fig tree that bears no fruit. For three years the owner comes looking, and for three years he finds nothing. The verdict due to fruitlessness was: “Cut it down.” Why should barren ground be wasted? But the gardener spoke on behalf of the tree, “Sir, leave it alone for one more year.” He asks not for denial of justice, but for time to dig around the roots, time to add manure, time to care again. In this parable, the gardener became the Lord of the tree, as well as the one who take responsibility for the improvement of what is entrusted to be taken care of.   
This parable is not about a cruel God impatient with failure. It is about a God who takes care of, and who extend the possibility of finding meaning in one’s existence.  Even when hope appears thin, the gardener instills hope in the minds of the owner that there is something good yet to happen. The fig tree stands silently; it makes no promises, offers no explanations. Yet mercy speaks on its behalf. In our life, we have similar experiences of God not rushing to discard us when our lives seem unproductive, when our prayers were empty, or when growth is slow and unseen.
Human beings often measure fruit by visible success, quick change, and public holiness. But God works beneath the surface. Like the gardener in the parable, God digs into the hard soil of our hearts, breaking what has become compacted by fear, sin, or disappointment. Therefore, sometimes what looks like delay is actually divine patience at work.
The mercy of God is not passive waiting. The gardener promises action: “I will dig… I will fertilize.” God’s waiting is filled with effort, care, and costly love. Even today, Christ intercedes for us, believing that grace can still bring fruit from tired branches. However, this parable also gently warns us. Mercy is not endless postponement. Time is given so that transformation may occur. God waits, not so that we remain the same, but so that we may finally become what we were created to be. When we feel barren, delayed, or discouraged, we may think that Lord has given up. But this parable assures that, God is still tending our life. God is still waiting mercifully.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your patience with my unfinished life. Work gently within me. Help me respond to Your mercy and bear fruit in Your time. Amen

Thought for the DAY
“God is patient because He is eternal.” — St. Augustine

Santhosh Varughese
Dammam Marthoma Church, UAE

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