The Gardner and the Vine

The word abide can be translated to hang in there. It also means to dwell, endure and even suffer.

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Did you know there is a vine that God has planted in Israel that He prepared the ground for it? He may be speaking metaphorically, but there are a lot of vineyards in Israel.

I never saw this verse before, so I was excited and eager to learn what it meant to then share.  This Psalm is a prayer for the restoration of Israel who had been ravaged by a foreign power.  “Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth…Awaken your might; come and save us.”  (Psalm 80: 1-2) 

  • Make an appeal for God to go before His people again with all His glory and might as He did in days of old in the desert.

He says, “You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.  You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.”  (Psalm 80: 8-9)  

  • God plants and roots His people.
  • God prepares the soil, so it will spread and fill the land.
  • He prepares the vineyards for harvest.

Vines spread very easily.  They spread across, and stretch up and down.

Here’s what else happens, “The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.  It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.”  (Psalm 80: 11)  

This is a picture of God’s flourishing transplanted vine.

  • A flourishing transplanted vine brings forth the new wine.

Are our lives flourishing bringing forth new wine?

In the New Testament, Matthew speaks of the tenants who were in charge of the vineyard, that the landowner had planted.  The farmers (cultivators) took care of the land and the fruit was collected.

  • The kingdom of God is given to those who will produce the fruit of the new wine.

Remember Jesus taught us “After the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” (Luke 22: 20)

  • Be in communion and union with Him, and with one another.
  • Remember His covenant promises, they produce.

Israel is producing!  I found this article on an Israel tourist site about Israeli wines.  It said, “Noah may have started off on the wrong foot when he planted his vineyard in Israel, but at least his descendants are getting it right. Around the world, Israeli wines are winning prizes and accolades, which is intoxicating news indeed for local winemakers.”  Maybe this is why:

  • The Vine (Jesus) traveled by foot on that soil.
  • Doesn’t surprise me that Israeli wines are winning awards.  He is our great reward!

(Shared from Psalm 80, Modified)

The Father Is The Gardner, Jesus Is The Vine

How do we bear more fruit?  Scripture tells us by being pruned.  Who likes that? In life, we all have been pruned and groomed in different ways. Pruning produces growth and fruitfulness.

  • Fruit that has been pruned will produce fruit that remains.

In our calling, Jesus has told us, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last.”  (John 15: 16)    

If you have been persecuted, hang in there, “They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the one who sent me.”  (John 15: 21)  

My friend told me, just today, that the word abide can be translated to hang in there. It also means to dwell, endure and even suffer.

  • Fruit hangs on the tree/vine.

Jesus has said,  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”  (John 15: 4)  

  • Stay connected to the Vine, He’s causing us to branch out.

(Shared from John 15: 1-16: 4)    

Guard What The Lord Has Assigned

Men were placed in positions in the courtyards in the temple of the Lord, except the Levites and priests on duty.  They were allowed to enter because they are consecrated, but all other men were instructed to guard what the Lord has assigned them to.  “The Levites had to station themselves around the king and stay close to the king, wherever he goes.”  (2 Chronicles 23: 7)  

  • Guard the good deposit that’s in you.
  • Stay close to the King, abide in the vine.

“Jehoiada made a covenant that he and the people and the king would be the Lord’s people.”  (2 Chronicles 23: 16)  

They were serious about this covenant.  What came forth after making this covenant?  They smashed all the altars and idols in the temple of Baal.

  • Those who abide with the Vine, under the Gardener, cannot have idols.
  • Holy Spirit alerts any defilement that’s trying to creep in.
  • Listen to His promptings.

...For the Lord is watching over what He planted and established. It’s the fruit of the vine that shall produce the new wine.  Yes, He is watching over the vine, He’s watching over the branches.  He’s watching over us.  

(Shared from 2 Chronicles 23, Modified)

 

 

 


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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com