Manure

 The Gospel for the third Sunday of Lent this year is the parable of the barren fig tree. In short, the message here is repent now, or be cut down like the tree. But the gardener says he will put manure on it and if things don't improve then next year he will cut it down. The gardener is, of course, the Lord, we are the tree. 

So why does God put manure on us? I'm not a gardener so I had to find out what exactly manure does.

For soil to benefit from manure it must be applied properly so it doesn't burn the plants. Manure also helps to condition the soil so that it holds and drains water, supports healthy root and plant growth, and has nutrient holding capacity. 

Can you see the parallels? There are times God allows events to burn off our attachments to sinful things though he never intends to burn us. The soil, or foundation, allows the Living Water to flow through us, which in turn supports our spiritual growth so we become strong and fruitful. 

Some days it does seem like God is piling on the manure as He cultivates us. It stinks! It seems the aroma clings to the inside of your nostrils and the roof of your mouth. You just want to run away  because it is so unpleasant and overpowering. 

During those times remember this parable. Remember that He will not burn you, he is doing something in you that will bring new life, a better life. He is a skillful gardener, tilling and planting and reaping, as He did in Eden, in Gethsemane, and at the empty tomb on Easter morning - remember when Mary Magdalene mistook Jesus for the gardener? He did great things there and He will do great things in you too, but trust will be necessary as He enriches you. I promise you though - He will not let you wither and He does not want to cut you down.