LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Vineyard (1)
In the Bible there are at least two kinds of parables about the vineyard. An example of the first is in Isaiah 5, and of the other, in John 15. Both types of parables, considered independently, shed precious light on the work of God. They can also be read together, and then we have a greater light, seeing how they complement each other: we see God's work in us, and also through us.
In one, the farmer is God; in the other, the farmers are us. Isaiah's parable shows us that God is the husbandman and Israel is his vineyard. Whether it is the old Israel or the new, his work is essentially the same. His work consists in fencing, ploughing, planting, building a tower, building a winepress, pruning, digging and watering. John 15 adds that it also consists in removing useless branches.
How precious it is to see God investing His time and resources in us. Just as any vinedresser does, his work is patient and constant. It all reveals God's deep care for his people.
First, there is the fencing of the vineyard, because God sets boundaries between what is his and what is not. Secondly, there is the strewing of the vineyard. The parable of the sower shows us that a stony soil prevents the plant from growing. Then there is the planting, fundamental work, in which we are introduced into God's planting by the Word of truth. Then, he builds a tower, to keep watch, and prevent the enemy's artful attack.
Next, the winepress is a most important construction in God's vineyard. There the ripe grapes will be taken to complete the cycle of their life. The final destination of the grape is not a beautiful bunch on the banquet table, but a glass of wine to gladden the heart. The winepress is the place of crushing and death; in New Testament terms, it is the cross, with its pains and agonies.
But, first, there is the pruning, which removes that which hinders the branches from bearing much fruit. From time to time, God puts his hand on his vines to remove what bothers. And then the vine weeps, and remains silent for several months. The farmer respects the cycles of life, and winter is one of them.
Then, the tiller digs around the plant so that the soil does not harden, and can deliver all its strength. Sometimes, the whole plant is shaken, when the hoe breaks the earth around it, but it is not the end for it, it is only the necessary shaking for it to revitalize. And then comes the watering, how pleasant it is for the plant! Thirst disappears, the new vigor of the water of life arrives. The word of God comes to satiate the heart and comfort the soul.
Finally, there is the most difficult action of all: to cast out the useless branches and burn them (Jn. 15:6). The fire here is not the hell of death and condemnation, but the fire of shame and punishment. This is, as a whole, the precious (and also painful) work of God in his children.