The God of second chances and fourth chances and immeasurably more

We use the expression ‘second chance’ to describe an opportunity to try again or to start anew after a failure or setback, emphasizing the possibility of redemption and growth.

Sunday’s gospel reading talks of a fourth chance.

“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.’” (Luke 13:6-9)

The man assigned the role of caring for the vineyard represents God’s generosity and passion for giving us opportunities to grow and bear fruit. He redoubles his efforts to nurture the fig tree.

The God of immeasurably more gives us not just second chances but as many as we need and trusts in our redeemed future where, unlike earthly fruit that decays, we will produce lasting fruit, and he provides the environment we need to succeed.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other (John 15:16)

The fruit that God longs for us to produce is of one variety – the fruit of love.