Pleading

Linda Rock
9 minutes ago
3 min read

But he answered and said to him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.

In this meditation, we are introduced to the keeper of the vineyard. So far, we have been viewing a barren fig tree, as it stands tall and stately in a vineyard. Having also been introduced to the owner of the vineyard, who is a man of patience and second chances, in comes in the keeper of the vineyard. By keeper, we understand this servant to be the person in charge, the one who oversees the vineyard. In other words, he is all things to all plants in the vineyard. Even though there will be others helping him, he is the one to give accountability to the owner.

This servant-keeper, in his own right, is a man of respectful power, resolute persuasion and reliable promise. Our entire focus is on the dialogue between the servant-keeper of the vineyard and the owner of the vineyard. Here is the conversation quoted again to us. The servant-keeper is responding to the orders given to him concerning the barren fig tree in the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard says to the keeper, Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground? The servant keeper of the vineyard and by extension, servant of this non-bearing fruit tree, responds to his master and lord with nothing but the greatest humility.

The order is given for him to kill the tree, remove it from its position in the vineyard. Is the servant being disobedient? Let’s discuss this.

Sir – He gives his master the fullest respect in name and title. He clothes and drapes his response in the power of respect and honour. There is absolutely no disrespect here, in his given power. Be mindful that the servant-keeper of the owner’s vineyard, has been given full power and dominion over the running and managing of the vineyard. It is likeness to the same authority which God gave to Adam to tend and keep God’s garden. Then the LORD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden, to tend and keep it. Genesis 2: 15. You will agree that there is power and authority given to anyone in such a position. This keeper is used to making decisions about the vineyard, managing other workers, the plants and other required business. The owner is not always there, but the servant-keeper makes decisions in the owner’s interest. The servant-keeper exhibits respectful power before his master.

Let it alone this year also – He is most respectful, but pleadingly persuasive in his manner. The order has been given and he does not say, or even intimate in any way that he will not obey the command given to him. Albeit, it is with genuine, love and care for this fig tree, which has been with him for quite some time, over three years, that he pleads for the fig tree’s life. He asks in the very vein of his master. This is what I mean. For the past three years, he has witnessed firsthand, his master’s patience, longsuffering, forbearance change-giving and deep care for his fig tree. He has seen the heaviness of heart of the owner of the fig tree, to cut it down, in the chances he has given to it. Can you see how the servant-keeper is imitating his master and walking in his same steps? Let it alone this year also? Let it live, this year also. The word, also, speaks it all out and spells it all out, doesn’t it? The servant-keeper displays pleasing persuasion to his master.

Until I dig around it and fertilize it - He takes personal responsibility for the life of this doomed to destruction fig tree. He has made a resolute promise to the owner, to work on the fig tree, carded for death, without relenting. I will work on it myself. I will give my all to this tree. I will leave all the other bearing trees and serve the needs of this one barren tree. I will dig around it. I will fertilize it. Is he not seeking pardon for the fig-tree, change for it? He knows his master and if that tree would bear at least one fruit to offer, it will not be cut down.