Let Alone (2)—“Let It Alone” - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.
Luke 13:8-9

Let Alone (2)—"Let It Alone"
"Let it alone this year also" was the prayer of the dresser of the vineyard on behalf of the fruitless fig tree. The lord of the vineyard had come and looked for fruit for three years; and being utterly disappointed, he gave commandment that it should be cut down. The tree cumbered the ground. It was occupying space that could be planted with profit. It was not only fruitless, but it was doing mischief. Such a fate would have been fitting. But the vinedresser, knowing that his lord was not a "hard man," and divining his thoughts of mercy, prayed that another year of grace might be shown, during which time he would do all in the way of pruning and culture that could be done; then, if fruit were still wanting, the blow should fall.

His prayer was granted, and the tree was "let alone" for one year more. But the fruitless fig tree fell. Israel, illustrated thus, yielded no fruit for the three years of Christ's sojourn on earth. He came seeking for fruit and found none. Judgment called loudly for the death of the fruitless tree, but mercy interposed, and another year of grace was allowed—it was protracted, indeed, until the death of Stephen, that is, until the definite rejection of the Holy Spirit. Then the stroke fell, and the fruitless nation was cut down as a nation. But how mercy lingered! How judgment delayed! How the voice of patient grace was heard saying, "Let it alone."

If that be true in the case of a nation, is it not likewise true in the case of the individual? "This year also"—and also, and also—until, alas! in spite of great long-suffering, no fruit can be found; and then, "after that," judgment, long suspended, overtakes the sinner, and he is "cut down"!

John Wilson-Smith