A Bad Vineyard

I’m not much of a vinedresser.  I don’t know much about grapes and grapevines.  What I do know is that we have some vines on the fence between the parsonage and the youth house.  And every year, I prune, trim, wait, and watch for clusters of grapes to appear.  One year, we had so many grapes we made communion wine from them!  But in recent years, it’s hasn’t born much fruit.  I think they might be diseased.  Still, I keep waiting and watching for delicious grapes to enjoy!

I wonder if God might have felt the same discouragement with his people Israel from the Old Testament.  Of the many images the Bible uses for the nation of Israel, the most dominant is one of a grapevine.  God’s people were to be a sweet source of blessing to others, just like a grapevine spreads delicious grapes and shade to others.  Yet, time and time again, Israel failed in her mission.  It only produced “bad grapes,” according to Isaiah 5:3-7.  How frustrating this was to God! 

No wonder the words of Jesus in John 15 pack so much punch!  Jesus says: “I AM the True Vine.”  Jesus is now fulfilling the role of Israel.  Israel failed.  But Jesus is now the source of blessing and sweetness to all the peoples of the earth!  What a statement!  God’s blessing is no longer contingent on the nation of Israel, but on one’s relationship to Jesus.  This Sunday, we’ll study this passage deeper and discover how Jesus’ amazing words bring hope to the weary and life to the tired!

Worship begins at 10:00 AM with a blended service including hymns from our heritage and contemporary choruses from today.  The message will encourage you.  The worship will inspire you.  Warm friends will greet you.  And the Holy Spirit’s presence will heal you.  A Children’s Church is offered for little ones.  Men will gather to pray.  And, refreshments will be served following worship.  Won’t you please join us with your family and friends this Sunday?  You will be blessed!