Feeling out of Place?
Jesus tells a parable. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus often used parables to make a point. This is an interesting one.
Luke 13:6-9 (ESV) 6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Did you notice the fig tree was in a vineyard? This thing was out of place. It didn’t belong there. It was surrounded by high yielding, life giving, and thirst quenching, mouth-watering grapes. In the middle of all this success is a lonely fig tree without purpose, ignored and forgotten, and fruitless. Do you feel like that sometimes? Out of place, forgotten, unnoticed by the world around you; fruitless!
Fruit in Unexpected Places
The second thing we see in this story is that the owner had it planted there. This fig tree was not just random, but it was purposely set here in the middle of this vineyard. Strange! What is it doing there? Maybe you wonder, what am I doing here? Like at your workplace where you seem to be out of touch with the culture of your peers. Or in a marriage where the spouse and extended family members are on a completely different track and you feel so alone. Or maybe it is even in church where everyone has a friend, a ministry, a position and you feel like you’re on the outside looking in. From a view of the casual passerby, this fig tree just didn’t fit in. But it was planted there. It was placed there by the master.
Thirdly, the expectation was simple. There ought to be fruit on this tree. If not, it was taking up space and needed to be removed. The vinedresser got nervous. He suddenly realized that this was on him. He had not done his due diligence with the fig tree and so he begged for another chance. Which he received, revealing grace and mercy in the heart of the landowner.
The lesson in this story may be simply this. Every one of us can at times feel alone, unsupported, and out of touch with those around us. Yet even in this unfriendly and indifferent environment, it is expected of us to be fruitful. Everyone one can be fruitful. Yes, it may be difficult, but we don’t have to shrivel up. We can more than survive, we can thrive. We just need a little tending, a little self-care, and a little “fertilizer” if you will.
If you feel like you are standing alone against a tide of humanity this is the time for your roots to go deep in to the rich life and energy of God’s word. This is the time for your branches to reach to the skies and let the breath of the Holy Spirit refresh your leaves. This is the time to embrace your difference and realize that God has planted you where you are. You can thrive.
This Sunday, I will be sharing the wonderful truth that we all can be fruitful, despite our circumstances, despite our location or vocation in life, and even despite our lack of physical or intellectual prowess.
Growth Groups
Excitement is building for our upcoming series of Growth Groups. We now have 23 people signed up. We will be capping it at 36 participants for this ten week tour. Don't miss out!! Growth groups help in developing significant relationships. GG will enhance your relationship with God. And it can help in personal growth and spiritual development.
The start date for the next quarter of Growth Groups is coming soon. The week of September 11th we will begin meeting again. This is our opportunity to meet together in small groups.
- Grow in God
- Grow in Relationships
- Sermon-based
- Home setting
Interested in knowing more or signing up? Contact the KCF Office 250.352.1722 or office@kcfoffice.com or sign up on Sunday at the Guest Table.
Hosting/Greeting Team Meeting
Do you enjoy meeting new people? We are welcoming interested individuals to attend our next Host Meeting on Sunday, August 20th, right after our Celebration. Come and join us to find out more and explore if this is an area that God may be calling you to stretch into. This is a great way to contribute to the church in a tangible and fun way.
Haiti Arise
KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise. To find out more about this wonderful ministry, click on the link below.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. Come down and support the poor. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities. Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire. Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Calendar of Events
- This coming Sunday, August 20, 1pm – Hosting/Greeting Meeting
- Kelly swims across the Kootenay River to support the KCF Worship Team, Sat, Aug 26, 10am at Lakeside Park
- Growth Groups begin week of September 11th, Registration required.
- Ladies Retreat, Fruitvale Christian Fellowship, Sept 22 and 23, Registration required.
- Tim and the Glory Boys, The Hootenanny Tour – Wednesday, October 18 at Civic Theatre, $15/advance, $20/door, $40/family pass.
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
August 17, 2017
