Psalm 80
Matthew 21: 33-43
Generally a vineyard is planted and nurtured intentionally. New branches in a vineyard are cut back drastically during their first three years, so that they can conserve life and energy. They thereby become stronger and more fruitful for a future time. Maturation takes time and patience; excessive attention and diligence on the part of the vinedresser. The Vinedresser is busy pruning and such, the Vine carries the life sap needed for the branches and fruit to grow. The branches have no ability to compel the sap to flow into them and can do nothing to bring about the fruit. They simply exist as a part of a larger process which they know nothing about (Gospel of John, Barclay, William. Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1975).
To today’s stories and parables:
- The passage from Isaiah focuses on the right the Vinedresser had in giving up on his vineyard; its fruit was no good. While this Vinedresser is very active in his passive act of ‘giving up’ the question remains unanswered, “After so much hard and competent work, why have the vines failed to produce quality fruit?”
- The psalm revels in the past, focusing on the hard work the Vinedresser has done in transplanting and cultivating the vines. He ultimately asks the Lord Vinedresser, “Will you bear the insult of allowing others to destroy and ravish your vineyard?”
- In the Gospel parable, the tenants are given all the supplies they need, and are allowed the freedom to work as they see fit. In fact, it is a successful crop, and all want their share. The question the tenants ask is, “How can we have it all?” Their greed, jealousy and bitter resentments lead to several murders.
How do we see each of these scenarios playing out in our own lives? When have we abandoned or neglected a dream, project or person due to disappointment and despair (Isaiah)? When have we allowed another to destroy what we have poured a lot of time and energy into (Psalm)? When have we handed something we have successfully created over to others to have them greedily claim it as their own (Matthew)?
Regardless of our answers, in all of these stories and parables, the vineyard itself is dependent on or at the mercy of others for its success. Although not referenced explicitly, we remember Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” Life within the vineyard is only possible because of the existence of the vine, of Christ. The branches cannot control the quality of the fruit that springs from them. They can only know the strength of the sap flowing into them from the vine. Do we?
Journal Questions:
- The fourth paragraph lays out the questions to help us reflect on how each of the vineyard scenarios have played out in our lives.
- How does it dependence and reliance on Christ manifest itself in my words and deeds, the world as I perceive it and decisions I discern?
- Do I know the strength of the sap flowing into me from the Vine, Jesus?
© 2017 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 