Friday, May 19, 2006

Who gives a fig

So I'm looking for a fig tree ... actually, since I'm taking my blog title from the Bible verse, Micah 4:4, I'm also looking for a vine:

"Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree ..." (NIV, 1984)

Perhaps I'm attracted to this vision of the kingdom of God because, although I believe in community, deep down I'm inherently individualist. Maybe, or maybe I'm introverted rather than individualist ... but I do think its a vision of a pretty good home, and right now I don't feel quite at home. Its a vision of abundance without being ostentatious, a vision of simplicity that is sufficient. Its a vision where I and my neighbour share true contentment. But its not my current experience.

And so I do give a fig. I'm looking forward to the fig tree. But for this life, the fig tree is growing (much like a mustard tree I suspect) and the vine is being prepared. I been allowed to see some of the cultivation phase, but I'm pretty sure most of the growth and preparation I don't see. I'd like to use this blog to share what I do see, and to speculate with others on what we don't get to see.

PS. Maybe its a vision that reflects Eden, where the fig leaves are still on the tree! (In which case its a good job we get our own tree to sit under!).

3 comments:

boxthejack said...

Fascinating post - I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter in your story! All the best with your fig tree hunting.

Jamie said...

I can't imagine that "fig tree" hunting is particularly hard. I mean, they're hardly the most mobile of prey are they?

Ho hum

Looking forward to sharing the blogosphere with you bro!

J

Johnny said...

Thanks Jamie ...
Its not that they're hard to find, its that they're so vulnerable. You make one little comment about lack of fruit one day and ...