A Daily Devotion for Monday, April 6
- ontrakk
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Luke 13:1-9
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Genesis 1:31
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning— the sixth day.
There are many times I have the thought of whether God actually cares to listen to me. It is not because of doubt in Him, but because of my sometimes overwhelming sense of my own insignificance. And I do not do much of anything very well. But whenever I find myself in this place, He manages to get through to me. I am part of His creation, and he has assigned me a role.
Lord, help me to stay connected, and on the path which you have for me. Light the path before me, I pray. Help me to stay focused on you and what you would have me do. I am so thankful for your ever-present Holy Spirit. Amen
Becky, Transforming
Pic by Kathy C.
Luke 13:1-9 / Genesis 1:31
This passage reminds us that sinners are not in categories. They are not “good” sinners and “bad”sinners. We are, quite simply, just sinners, sinners saved by Grace. We are always given the opportunity to turn to God. He is patient and gives us a chance to learn from our sin. Just like the fig tree, we’re given an opportunity to grow and thrive in His name.
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your presence even when I am sinful. Thank you for always giving me the opportunity to do better and for Your Grace and the gift of salvation. Amen
Luke 13:1-9 Genesis 1:31. Late Bloomers
I was told once by a Master Gardener that it often takes three growing seasons for a new plant or a transplanted one to thrive. Patience--gardeners need patience. So much depends upon weather, soil, and sun. The same is true for us. We often wonder if we are the person God wants us to be. We need patience but also faith that God will help us be what he wishes for us.
Prayer: Gracious God, I thank you for all the opportunities you have put in front of me. May I continue to "bloom" for you. AMEN
Monday, April 6th, 2026
LATE BLOOMERS
(Focus: those who want to give up
Today’s reading Luke 13:1-9
Genesis 1:31
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
In Genesis, God saw all that he had created and it was "very good." In Luke 13:6-9, the fig tree is threatened with being cut down because it bears no fruit. The gardener’s plea for one more year is a chance to restore the productivity intended for the tree as it was at its first planting. While Genesis shows a completed, perfect work, Luke shows God's patience with a ruined creation. The gardener (Jesus) pleads for…
Luke 13:1-9/Genesis 1:31
The patience of the Lord is well beyond anything humans can understand. Students only get so many chances to pass a course. After a certain number of negative performance reviews an employee is let go. If an athlete is not performing up to a certain standard, they are cut from the team. God, in contrast is the Gardener who is always willing to give another chance. And God the Gardener is not passive. Our Lord prunes, fertilizes and otherwise encourages growth and the production of fruit. These efforts go on right to the end of our lives and while the fruit of a lifelong believer may be more abundant, the fruit of the person who truly embraces…