Christians are expected to be fruitful vineyards for the Lord. This means He expects us to bear fruit, introducing others to Him or helping people deepen their relationship with Him. Another positive that comes out of being a fruitful vineyard - receiving God's utmost care and protection.
Isaiah 27:2-3 - In that day—“Sing about a fruitful vineyard: I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it.
This is His promise for all who become a fruitful vineyard - He will stand watch and prevent satan from harming them. He will place them in the safe palm of His hand. As believers, we must admit that we need His protection. We live in a world that is far from rosy. Waking up each morning is a blessing from the Lord because many do not enjoy that privilege. Mundane activities are now dangerous, such as going to school, attending church, and even walking down the street. God's merciful grace enables people to start and end the day in relative safety.
He knows how tough things are and has reserved His best for His children. These children who honor and serve Him, will not see their lives left up to chance. Their experiences will not be a series of unfortunate coincidences or lucky encounters. His fruitful vineyards will be secured by His grace and power. Day and night. He has covenanted to keep them from harm.
This should be reason enough to desire the classification of "fruitful vineyard." However, there is more to this promise. The Lord has sworn upon His name that those with whom He has covenanted shall enjoy His promises for a thousand generations. That means the individual, their children, their children's children, and more from their lineage will not be forgotten by God the Creator. 1 Chronicles 16:15 - He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations. And because He is incapable of lying the fruitful vineyard need not worry. Their God is standing watch over them. He who neither slumbers nor sleeps guards them, their generations, and their interests.
God is our Caretaker and wants to keep us safe from anything and everything that could harm us. We need to be willing to obey His instructions which we can only learn as we study His word and put it to practice. The more we do so, having given our lives to Jesus Christ, the more God's Holy Spirit will guide us telling us which way to go (Isaiah 30:21). That said, the process of bearing fruit is not easy. It involves pruning which, though painful, builds us up for His purpose. Jesus revealed that people would hate those who believe in Him (Matthew 10:22). Yet, we must turn away from sin and toward God, pleasing Him regardless of what others think.
Glory to the Lord that all of this is possible. Not by our strength or power but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). God is invested in helping us navigate this earthly experience successfully so we walk into heaven triumphantly. Philippians 2:13 states, For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (NLT). As we submit to Him, we increasingly fall into a rhythm where righteousness becomes our lifestyle and the fear of the Lord guides our actions and thoughts. We are predestined to win and our Caretaker will make it happen, IJMN, Amen.
To learn more, please read:
Be a Fruitful Vineyard - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) March 23, 2021
The Pruning - Praise & Pray (for others) May 17, 2022
For My Own Good? - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 26, 2023
