Daily Devotionals
March 23, 2022
Serving
DAILY READING
I recently purchased a Santa Rosa Plum tree. I got such a thrill imagining the beautiful white blossoms that would soon fill my yard in the spring, even more so for the luscious late-summer fruit. I could just imagine the rich taste of a sun-ripened plum plucked from my own tree. Then I read these words: “These trees take 3-6 years to bear fruit.” My heart sank. Will I even be in this house 3-6 years from now? Will I ever get to enjoy the fruit after planting and tending it for all that time? Maybe. Maybe not.
The caretaker in the parable was not quick to give up tending the fig tree, but Jesus doesn’t tell us whether it ever bore fruit or was cut down. We’re left to wonder. As Christ followers, our missional labor rarely yields quick fruit. But we pray that our diligent service will indeed bring forth fruit. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” We serve others not so that they in turn serve us, but that so together we build up the kingdom of God.
ACTION FOR THE DAY
This week we’re highlighting the work of The Branch Nashville, a non-profit providing food distribution and ESL classes for Nashville neighbors. From registering guests and delivering the food to their vehicles to helping to sort, stock, and package the food to be distributed, there is always a place for willing hands to work. Visit thebranchofnashville.org to learn more.