Devotional | Sheila Urton | Mar 23, 2025

Lent Week Four

Lent Week Four

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree … 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 … If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” – Luke 13:6-9

Devotion

Read Luke 13:1-9

In Luke 13:1-9, we find Jesus responding to a crowd of informers, urging them to repent. He illustrates the importance of repentance by telling the parable of a fig tree that had not produced fruit for three years. This parable is a powerful reminder of God’s patience and mercy, but also teaches that the time to repent is now.

We often think of repentance as negative, but in reality, it is one of the most hopeful and life-giving actions we can take. It is not about shame but about restoration and grace—turning away from sin and into the embrace of a loving God. 2 Corinthians 7:10 tells us, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Repentance is more than feeling remorse; it is an active transformation in our life. The Bible consistently calls us to turn away from sin and toward God. Just as the land owner checked the tree for fruit, God examines our lives. Are we growing in faith and obedience? Are we drawing near to God and hungering for more of him?

Lent highlights this need for repentance with a season for deep self-reflection, prayer, and renewal—a time to acknowledge our sins, seek forgiveness, and realign our hearts with God’s will. Through practices such as fasting, giving, and prayer, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of spiritual renewal.

…You can look at your (sin) stains with hope
Because …

He will wash you in his grace.
He delights in doing for you
what you could never do for yourself.
He delights in making you clean.

- Paul David Trip, Everyday Gospel

Are you bearing the fruit of repentance or have you become complacent in your faith? Choose today to repent from your sin, transform your life, and bear the fruit produced from living in relationship with God.

Sheila Urton
Pastor, Adult Ministry - OKC

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