083. ISA 5:2. GOD’S EXPECTATION FROM HIS VINEYARD

Isa_5:2. God’s Expectation From His Vineyard

"And he looked, that it should bring forth grapes."’97Isa_5:2.

The parable, of which the text is a part, refers to God’s ancient Israel, and exhibits his goodness, care, and long-suffering towards them. It is equally applicable to our own nation; but at present we desire to consider the subject in a personal sense; and thus, while it will apply to the nation as a collective body, it will commend itself to the conscience of every man, who has been favored with the distinguished bounties of providence, and the rich privileges and blessings of the gospel of the grace of God.

Keeping in view the whole parable, notice,

I. The Ground of God’s Expectations.

1. The nature of the plants.

The plants were the "choicest vine," ver. 2. Capable of yielding fruit, and the best of that sort of plants. Man is eminently fitted for the service of God; his distinguished faculties, by which he can know God’97judge of the divine commands; and affections, to love and delight in God. He possesses those powers which, when subjected to the operations of the grace and Spirit of God, are every way calculated to serve and show forth the praises of God. Notice,

2. The situation of the plants.

"A very fruitful hill," ver. 1. Not of rocky ground, or in a barren desert; but a hill of fruitfulness. How applicable to our unnumbered privileges; the light and means of improvement we possess; written word, preached gospel, numerous ordinances, &c.!

3. The attention and care he had bestowed "Fenced it;" "gathered out the stones;" "built a tower in the midst of it," &c. How has Divine Providence favored us! Contrast our condition and means of spiritual fruitfulness with the Jews, with all their advantages’97with the early Christian churches’97the time of reformation from papal darkness’97the privileges of our countrymen a century ago. God has, indeed, been removing every obstacle, and exalting us to heaven with mercies, and opportunities of happiness and salvation.

Observe,

II. The Nature of his Expectations.

"He looked for grapes;" such fruit as the vine can and ought to yield. He looks for the fruit of holiness.

1. This he contemplated when he proposed our redemption.

"Predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son;" Rom_8:29.

2. Christ died for this end, "That he might redeem us from all iniquity," &c.; Tit_2:14.

3. The gospel calls us to holiness.

The grace of God, that bringeth salvation, &c.; teaching us to deny ungodliness, &c.; Tit_2:12; Heb_12:14.

4. The Spirit and grace of God produce the fruit of holiness in the soul.

Being made free from sin, &c., Rom_6:22; 1Co_6:11.

Let us consider,

III. The Extent of his Expectations

He expects,

1. It seasonable as to time.

The Psa. ist says, the godly man yields his fruit "in his season;" Psa_1:2. There are peculiar seasons for the various sorts of fruit. Season of prosperity; he expects gratitude, joy, and gladness. In times of affliction’97patience: provocation’97meek ness: adversity’97contentment: sickness’97prayer: dark seasons’97hope, &c. He expects,

2. It good in quality.

Not leaves, nor counterfeit fruit; not merely lip-fruit; but that it be the heart fruit of love and sincerity, and producing uniform obedience in the life.

He expects,

3. That it bo proportionate in quantity’97

To the talents he lends; mercies and privileges he bestows; opportunities we possess. See parable of talents.

4. That it be increasing in amount.

"Grow in grace." "Leaving the principles of the doctrines of Christ," &c. Heb_6:1.

5. That it be enduring in its nature.

Parable of the sower. Way-side, stony-ground, &c. That it endure,

(1) The heat of prosperity. Uzziah’s did not; 2Ch_26:16.

(2) Frost of afflictions: Job. "We count them happy who endure;" Jam_5:11.

(3) The storms of opposition. "War a good warfare," &c. "Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

Application

Let us learn, 1. To estimate our mercies. 2. To remember our responsibility on account of them. 3. To improve them, by bringing forth much fruit to the glory of God.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS