08/01/2023 - THE CARE FOR THE VINEYARD

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He dug it up and cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; so He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes. Isaiah 5.2

The person who accepts Jesus as Savior is born again, and therefore must be taught according to what the Lord expects of them, since they are part of His Church on Earth today (John 3.5-8). The Most High made a fence around it so that no animal could harm it. Vineyard fences are usually thick walls of bushes, but the Lord’s has a wall of fire protecting it from harm (Zechariah 2.5).

In Isaiah’s prophetic vision, he saw the Almighty taking away the stones. In the parable of the sower, Jesus spoke of the seed that falls on stony ground and dies; therefore, the cleansing was done, so that when trials come, the seed will not be burned and killed (Mark 4.3-6,16,17). From the land on which the stones are taken from, the yield will be as great as that of the good land that produced at 30, 60, and 100 for one (Mark 4.20). The Church of Christ will find no excuses for not having won the world!

Having protected the vineyard, preventing predators from entering, and planted excellent vines, the Creator expects it to bear much fruit. The Good Shepherd has explained how to produce them: I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15.5). The good quality vines planted by the Savior in the Church give His members great yields. Strive to fulfill God’s will!

The prophet talks about the building of a tower in the middle of the vineyard, where there will be continuous vigilance against predatory animals. In the case of the Church, it’s the demons that cause damage to the Kingdom of God. Be vigilant that Satan does not get in your way. Without space, he will accomplish nothing (Ephesians 4.27). But if you pay attention to his lies and offers, you will fall into sin; thus, you will no longer be the glory of the Lord, but the shame.

Now, the yield will never be lost, because the heavenly Father has also built a winepress, where the grapes will be crushed to extract the juice. God has thought of everything for His plan to work in your life, so be interested in knowing His purpose and dedicate yourself to fulfilling it (Romans 12.1,2; Eph. 5.17). He speaks of plenty of fruit, not of scarcity as seen everywhere. Remember: arguments will never be accepted to justify the lack of the expected amount (Matthew 25.27).

In Isaiah’s prophecy, the Lord was frustrated with the results. Today, we have the opportunity to reach the world with the Word and the evidence that follows the preaching of faith – signs, wonders and wonders (Acts 5.12). Beware! Competing with the anointing of the Holy Spirit are the deceitfulness of riches, the cares of life, and the ambition for other things. This causes the incorruptible seed of God’s message to wither (Mark 4.18,19). Do not exchange your blessing for anything.

The Master’s frustration will occur at harvest time. He expects good grapes to be produced, not wild ones, which are worthless. Did Jesus make a mistake? Absolutely not! But the Church was carried away by the offers and threats of the enemy and, as a result, did not produce good fruit!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares