Homilist Isaiah 27:2-3 In that day sing you to her, A vineyard of red wine.… In what day? The day of threatening and punishment of the wicked. The Church needs encouragement amid danger and darkness. And God gives it when required. I. WHAT SHE IS. A vineyard of red wine. A common figure of the Church. It is to intimate — 1. That members are separate from the world and enclosed around. 2. That they are cultivated and eared for. They differ from the world as flowers from weeds, a garden from a wilderness. 3. That they are owned. Believers are God's people, His chosen inheritance, His private property. 4. That they are profitable. A vineyard yields fruit, and so adds to the advantage of its owner. It is a vineyard of "red wine." A vineyard from which is extracted the richest juice. Everything of God's doing is not only perfect, but superior. Everything with which He supplies His people is the best. "Their peace passeth understanding." Their joy is "full of glory." II. WHAT SHE IS TO POSSESS. "I, the Lord, do keep it," etc. Here is — 1. Guardianship. The Keeper gives His whole attention to Its protection. How wise a guardian is God! "Lest any hurt it." His whole army of angels act as a guard with their flaming swords. 2. Provisions. "I will water it." The act of watering means all the necessary provision required for the nourishment of the vines and the production of fruit. The Holy Spirit is likened to the water of life, which Christ has promised to give freely to all who ask Him. There are also His ordinances and sacraments. 3. Vigilance. "Keep it constantly" — night and day. The great God slumbers not nor sleeps. His eye is ever on His people. No foe can elude His guardianship. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. |
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