Title: Unless You Repent / Luke 13:1-9
If you do not repent/Luke 13:1-9
Just as the beginning of anything is important, so is the end.
We hold the Song Gu Young Shin service once a year. As this repeats every year, what we have to change is that we must have a new life. Without this, the worship of Song Gu-Young-Sin would be meaningless.
Verses 1-5 of today's text emphasize the word of repentance. A pilgrim to Galilee was killed by Pilate, and the people who were killed did not die because they had more sins than the other Galileans. Do you know that eight people sin more than all the people in Jerusalem? No, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish, and he told the parable of the barren fig tree.
The focus of his words before telling the parable of the fig tree is to focus our attention when he said, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." We have seen many events happening around us over the years. It has seen terrible things happen among believers and among unbelievers. How many people died in the United States in 9/11 and how many in Iraq as a result of the bombardment of it? How many innocent people are still dying because of it? A few days ago, a sea earthquake-tsunami struck Thailand, killing hundreds of thousands of people. First of all, these things are plant education that God uses to give us a chance to repent. Not that I'm grateful because these things didn't happen to me. The message contained in today's message is that I must repent while seeing such events.
We have a lot of tendency to criticize and point fingers at things that have nothing to do with us. This is said to lead to destruction. We don't know how happy we feel when we see others go wrong. This, too, is an act that invites judgment. Because seeing the mistakes of others and seeing the mistakes of others, I must first receive a lesson in order to live righteously, and then learn to love by embracing such people. We must reflect on how we have lived through the year. We'll learn to say that specific part from verse 6.
plant a fig tree in a vineyard
It is said that fig trees planted in a vineyard occupy 5 to 7 times more fig trees compared to the area occupied by vines. The land of Palestine is generally a desert-like wilderness with very little arable land. The fact that he planted fig trees on little arable land and not many high-yielding vines means that the owner likes figs that much. This fig tree is a symbol of Israel. He said that God chose us and established us not because we were better than other nations, but because He loved us.
God liked us, so He chose us and established us on this earth. Just as the owner who planted a fig tree wants to get figs, God has established us on this earth and is waiting for us to bear fruit.
find fruit on a fig tree
Our God plants fig trees and takes good care of them. He dug all over it, fertilized it, and replanted it to make it grow well. And the master came to see if the figs had produced fruit for three years, but he did not find it. The three years here refer to the three years from when the fig tree can bear fruit, not from the third year after the fig tree was planted. When the fig tree does not bear fruit, the farmer who seeks it would be foolish. Therefore, the failure of the fig tree to bear fruit is a response to a problem with the tree.
We need to reflect on these things. How much grace have we received from God? Through the atoning grace that Christ suffered for us and died on the cross, He has provided us with nothing we lack until now. Even if we are weak and lacking. But when we look back over the year, what is left behind? Are there any fruits that will glorify God? Are there any fruits of the Spirit? Are there any fruits of worship? Are there any fruits of service? Are there any fruits of love? You should take a look.
When we started 2004, we had big dreams and hopes. I made several plans. But how do you look now as the year comes to a close? There will be no way to hide my sadness and sadness as I feel disappointment at my fruitless appearance. If I could only say one word at this time, I would say, ?쏬ord! Please wait one more year.??
waiting for the fruit of the fig tree
This is verse 7. ?쏧 said to the keeper of the orchard, ?쁈 have been looking for fruit on this fig tree for three years, but it has not found it, so I will cut it down. But the gardener begged the owner. Just give me one more chance. Then it will bear fruit. Please accept this as the voice of the Holy Spirit who is interceding for us (Romans 8:26). Therefore, we must repent and start anew before the new year begins.
So what is repentance?
First, repentance means having a new thought.
Second, repentance means a new way of life.
Third, repentance means a change in daily life habits.
Fourth, repentance means changing the master.
Fifth, it means to be ruled by God from the domination of the world.
Dear saints, end 2004 well, with what? Good finish and overhaul with repentance. Those who welcome the new year like this will surely bear fruit. Prepare to bear the fruit of a new life with a new state of consciousness and a new way of thinking. The Holy Spirit will help such a person to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the fruit that is pleasing to the Lord. Amen!