The lyrics of the song “I gave my life for thee” go thus:

I gave My life for thee,
My precious blood I shed,
That thou mightst ransomed be,
And quickened from the dead;
I gave, I gave My life for thee,
What hast thou done for Me?
I gave, I gave My life for thee,
What hast thou done for Me?

Is there an alignment or commonality of interest between the vineyard owner and the vineyard concerning the former’s expectation (Isaiah 5:1-6)? A surrendered will is fundamental to achieving His expectation; this is what consecration is. In the words of Ruth:

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth bore along with Naomi the shame of a seemingly failed life or choice (Ruth 1:16-22). Am I comfortable with bearing the shame of the Cross (Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT).

Bringing this home to the church in the land

• His church is situationally well placed (Isaiah 5:1c)
• His people delivered from the power of darkness, the hindrance of productivity, and planted with the pure word of God, the seed of life (1 Peter 1:23)
• with a watchtower/man keeping oversight against corrupting ingression (Isaiah 5:2).
• The word, undecaying and imperishable, capable of producing spiritual fruit, transforming the life of believers (contrasting 1 Corinthians 15:53).
• The assured protection from the watchtower (John 7:11,12)

The vineyard oblivious of the presence of the corrupter, or cared less of the owner’s wish, allowed self to be seduced by the attraction of the corrupter’s proposition, rejecting and substituting willingly the corruptible seed for the incorruptible. This is the only way that the production can be wild grapes – contrary to the expectation of its owner—raison d’etre for Matthew 7:21-23.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

Consider, reflect on your life and where you are in your walk with God and choices. Judgment is at hand. What are you allowing in your life that makes for unfruitfulness or evil fruits? It’s in your hands, my choice, your choice (Psalm 40:6-8).

“Satan will use half-truths to trap you. He took Jesus to ‘the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you.”… Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God'””” (vv. 5-7 NLT).

Satan will tell you, ‘Your spouse doesn’t understand you or meet your needs, you’re lonely, go ahead and have that affair. God will understand and forgive you.’ God may forgive you, but the Bible also says, ‘Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

When Satan comes calling, you had better know what the Word of God actually says – not just selected snippets. Paul writes, ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…in righteousness’ (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). We like to hand-pick Scriptures that suit our lifestyle and facilitate our wants. But when the Enemy manipulates God’s Word and uses it against you, you need to be able to say, ‘The Scriptures also say.’ In other words, you need to know what else God has to say.

The Bible says Satan ‘will speak against the Most High…oppress his holy people and try to change…times and…laws’ (Daniel 7:25 NIV). He knows God’s Word is a ‘double-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12 NCV), but he will still try to engage you in a sword fight! Don’t let him bamboozle you with distortions and half-truths! Get into God’s Word, get God’s Word into you, and tell Satan, ‘Get thee behind me’ (Matthew 16:23 KJV).” – Taken from Word For Today

Selah



Pastor Afolabi Oladele