The Old Testament prophet Isaiah in his beautiful poetic style speaks or sings a song of his beloved’s (YEHOVAH, THE LORD GOD) vineyard as an allegory of Israel and Judah (the Old Testament church), in 5:1-7. The imagery is that of a well planned and cared for vineyard gone awry. Having carefully chosen and cared for the vineyard delivering them, providing for them, dwelling among them, and giving them a good land, what more could God have done? And what did He expect of them? Micah encapsulates the answer in 6:8, “to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” Yet the vineyard failed to meet expectations, not only bringing disappointment to the Lord but disastrous consequences to the vineyard! The imagery is carried over into the New Testament where it is applied to the Church which is made up of both Jews and Gentiles, God’s new man, the church, Ephesians 2:15-16. It was Jesus Himself who brought this imagery to light by saying, “I am the true vine…you are the branches” John 15:1-8. It is the vine that provides the life; it is the branches that bear the fruit! So I ask, are you bearing the fruit of the vine? What should that fruit look like? Galatians 5:22-23 says it will include “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.” Philippians 2:15 says it includes to “shine as lights in the world”; and to “bear witness” because we have been with Jesus, John 15:27. He has redeemed us, seated us in heavenly places, and blessed us with every spiritual blessing; therefore our top priority should to produce the fruit He is expecting.
God’s Vineyard
By Rose Hill
You My child are like a vineyard lovely to behold,
You are Mine forever never to be sold.
I make you grow both strong and tall,
Much beauty in you will be seen by all.
I say of such strength the world has never heard,
For every moment I give you the water of My word.
I surround you with the sunshine of My love
And send you many blessings from above
I’m your keeper and cause you to grow;
That of My power the world will know.
They come to the vineyard beautiful and rare,
And find My presence to be always there.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.