Dung Happens

Disclaimer:  Bad things happen for many reasons.  This is only one of them. 

Here’s what Jesus said:

He [Jesus] spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:6-9 (KJV)

I asked Google how digging around a fig tree’s roots would help it to grow. Google’s AI said, “Digging at the tree's drip line and severing roots that extend past the leaves can encourage healthier root growth and make the tree more productive. Fig trees prefer restricted root systems, and root restriction can reduce leafy growth and increase fruit production. Digging a shallow trench around the tree can help it retain water that might otherwise run away from the base.

I don’t know about fig trees, and I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like it if my roots got disturbed.  And that’s not all the dresser of the vineyard recommended. He also planned to use manure (dung) to fertilize it.  When God’s people aren’t bearing fruit, dung happens.

Just saying.

Margot Armer