THE BARREN FIG TREE. As the Lord extends on earth our date, IN the gospel of St. Luke, chapter xii. we are informed that Pilate had mingled the blood of certain Galileans with their sacrifices; and by the Saviour's answer it is evident that those who informed him thought these Galileans were more wicked than other men, or such an awful event would not have been experienced by them; the reply that Jesus made was this-"Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you nay; but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 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? I tell you nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." It is too common for us to conclude, if a sudden calamity befalls a fellow-creature, that he was a greater sinner than others, and that what he has experienced was sent as a judgment; but many are the afflictions of the Lord's people, while the men of the world, who have their portion in this life, often pass through it with little sorrow; but yet it well becomes us to notice the hand of God in every event, that when we see the wicked called away without repentance, we may take warning, and no longer trifle with Divine forbearance; and when we see the righteous afflicted, we may rest satisfied that the all-wise God often sends trials in mercy to them. To enforce these solemn words, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," Christ addressed a very striking parable to his hearers, saying "A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none; then said he to 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? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well; and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." This parable, addressed to the Jews, more particularly related to them, for Christ had now spent about three years in his public ministry amongst them, and alas, he saw no fruit, and they were in awful danger of perishing; nevertheless they were spared longer; though they repented not, and at last were ruined by their sins. But this parable also relates to every one to whom God has given his holy word; and if such are not found among the truly penitent, they will most surely perish everlastingly. "Christ ever liveth to make intercession for us;" this is the reason why we have not been cut down, for, O! how unfruitful Gracious and are the very best of us! compassionate Lord God, be pleased to water us with the dew of heaven, and make us fruitful, to the honour and glory of thy holy name. Amen. |