The Vinedresser He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines - Isaiah 5:2 The owner of the vineyard tends to it carefully. He clears it of stones, plants it with the very best vines, prunes it precisely, and harvests it with great enthusiasm. The fact that Isaiahs image of the Vinedresser is presented in the context of futility and frustration should not distract from this revelation of God. Regardless of our sin, He is still the Gardener who cares, who relentlessly cultivates, and who will not be disappointed in the end. Historically, the point of this parable for Judah was that the Vinedresser was going to prune His vines severely. The sins of the nation were too great and the repentance too slow in coming for God to let the vines grow at will. This parable of the vineyard informed His people that His discipline would fall; Babylon would come and sack the holy city, and Judahs captivity would be devastating. The fruitless vineyard required drastic measures. From an eternal view, however, the parable of the vineyard points more to the nature of God than to the nature of His people. Yes, we have sinned and need a Savior, and the Vinedresser has provided that. But in the heart of this master cultivator, we can also see His relentless pursuit of abundance - growth, fruitfulness, prosperity, and the finest finished product in the field. And His efforts never fall short. Though the parable of the vineyard was written to a nation, it has a personal application as well. We can legitimately view God as our personal vinedresser, the Gardener who is patiently, precisely, and effectively cultivating us for the best fruit possible. Hes a master at His trade, so He knows exactly what He is doing with you - even when it hurts. He can be trusted. Rest in His care today. Trust Him with the time and weather, the harsh elements of your surroundings, the other branches on the vine - with everything. Realize that Hes even more committed to your abundance than you are.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:21:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015