You have a tree that grows beyond your reach, and a concern about those who might cite you. A practical need indeed. But let me turn your thoughts from the fig tree in your yard to the Tree of Life, which is Christ Jesus. You seek a handyman to come quickly, with right equipment, and cheaply. Yet hasten not in your spirit to fret. Remember the lesson of the almond tree, the wakeful branch. God is quick to fulfill His Word. His promises hasten to their performance. Is He not quicker to answer than any handyman? Before you call, He sees you, even as our Lord saw Nathanael under the fig tree. That fig tree was his Bethel, the very house of God. Let this tree in your yard drive you to prayer, not to anxiety. Bring your request, yes, but bring your soul first to the true shelter.
You speak of corrupt managings. The world’s bramble may threaten, but the olive tree will not leave its oil to go be promoted over the trees. What is a citation from men when you have the shadow of the Almighty? The terebinth may lose its leaves in winter, but the substance is in the tree. If you are in Christ, the life is in you. Men may lop a branch, but the root is secure. Do not let the dread of man sap your joy. Our Redeemer’s love is quick-sighted; He knows what is amiable in you, though we see it not ourselves. And He will supply the need. The hospital collection may lag, but the Master’s treasury never fails. Touch the flesh where you will, but spare the heart. Let not this thing wound your spirit.
As for the cost, cheaply, you pray. Free grace is the motive for free giving. He who spared not His own Son will He not with Him freely give us all things? The first Adam came to the fig tree for leaves; the Second Adam looks for figs. Look not to your own resources for covering, but to Him who clothes the lilies. Yet be not set on slothful ease. Laziness and despondency cry, “Why are His chariots so long in coming?” Rise up from under the tree and do what your hand finds to do, but do it in faith. If He tarries, it is that He might dig about you and dung you, that you may yet bring forth fruit. Spare it yet another year, the Intercessor pleads.
Seek first the Kingdom. Sit down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit shall be sweet to your taste. The apple tree among the trees of the woods is what your soul requires. From that Tree you shall have meat and drink, clothing and shelter. Bring me no more the sour fruit of unbelief. Let the simplicity of Christ be your feast. Go back to Christ on the tree in your place, Christ overshadowing you, Christ feeding you. This is the happiest state to live in. The Lord hasten His Word to perform it, and give you peace.