Doyt’s sermon reminds us that life is unpredictable, and suffering is not a punishment for sin. Jesus challenges the idea that bad things happen because people deserve them, instead calling us to repentance and hope. Jesus uses the Parable of the Fig Tree to show that God is patient with us, giving us time to grow and bear fruit. We are like gardeners, tending the “fig trees” in our lives—our relationships, responsibilities, and opportunities to live with purpose. By focusing on the present and caring for what is in front of us, we align ourselves with God’s hope and open our hearts to joy and peace through the Holy Spirit.
Doyt encourages us not to waste time dwelling on the past, worrying about the future, or judging others, as these distractions keep us from tending our fig trees. Instead, we are called to live in the moment, trusting that even small acts of kindness, forgiveness, or prayer can embody God’s love and hope. He shares the story of Barbara, a woman who, despite losing her physical abilities, found joy and peace in prayer, tending her “fig tree” until the end. Like her, we are invited to nurture the work God has placed before us, knowing that this act of tending is a rebellion against despair and a declaration of faith in a God who is greater than any tragedy or tyrant. By doing so, we become a community of hope, filled with the light and peace of God.
Reflection Questions for this Week:
- How can we identify and tend to the “fig trees” in our lives—our relationships, responsibilities, or opportunities—and what steps can we take to cultivate them with care and intention?
- Doyt warns against distractions like dwelling on the past, worrying about the future, or judging others. How do these distractions show up in our own lives, and how can we refocus on living fully in the present moment?
- The story of Barbara demonstrates finding purpose and joy even when life changes drastically. How can we stay connected to God’s hope and peace during difficult times or seasons of life when our “fig tree” changes?