There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
What are we doing with our vineyard? We have much entrusted to us by the landowner. Do we remember that is where we get it from? Or do we use the vineyard for our own purposes and keep the produce to ourselves? The LORD gives gifts of time, talent, and treasure to us. He designates people in our lives for whom we have special responsibility. He sets us to tasks to which we are uniquely well suited. But we quickly seem to forget the why behind the what. It isn't just a matter of having and using God's gifts. We must use them as designed for them to function as intended. In other words, we can't just use them to build our personal happiness and comfort. We must use them for the sake of the kingdom.
He will put those wretched men to a wretched death
and lease his vineyard to other tenants
who will give him the produce at the proper times.
The Church on earth isn't meant, necessarily, to be the must comfortable Church. Nor is it meant to be the most entertaining. More than these, the Church is called to be fruitful. We are called to bear fruit in due season.
God gives us all we need for the task to which he calls us. The ground is fertile, cleared of stones, the vines are choice, there is a watchtower and a wine press. Yet, in spite of all of this, we can still end up with wild grapes if we don't apply due care and attention. Let's not try to do it alone. The landowner may be on a journey but the LORD is with us always and he is ready to help.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
The more it seems like the landowner is away the more we need to remember that the vineyard is his and what his purpose is for it. We need to be able to entrust everything to him no matter whether he seems distant or near.
Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
When we work in accord with his purpose we do not cling too tightly to the fruit. We are able to offer back to God what he allows us to grow, knowing we will always have enough.
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