Matt 21:33-34
God built a vineyard for it to be productive and bear good fruit. He did four things to set it up.
- He planted grape vines. Grape vines that produce for wine are hardy plants that survive for almost a hundred years. The first few years may not produce any grapes but the mature vine can produce in abundance for many years.
- He put a wall around the vineyard to protect it from invaders, raiders, weather, and wild beasts that would destroy it.
- He dug a winepress for the future production of wine. The grapes would be gathered there and pressed into juice then aged for good wine. Wine press symbolizes the future of the grapes. Preparation has been made so that they would not fall to ground or eaten by the birds and wasted.
- He built a watchtower so the tenants can look out for invaders from the outside and prevent trouble on the inside. The watchtower was a point high above to survey the whole vineyard..
The Lord’s way of planting his vineyard is an example for us on how to establish things in the earth. In a business venture, we must plant good products that will produce well. Set a wall of protection around it be it financial, or technical. Having a plan for the future is like building the winepress. The winepress was built before the grapes were actually produced. There needs to be a plan for future growth. Finally, we must set up a watchtower kind of vigilance to make sure there are no invaders from the outside, and all is running smoothly on the inside.
When building a family, we need to plant good life principles that will bear good fruit. Set a wall of protection around our children so that they will not be ravaged by the pressures of the world. Build a mindset for the future for them that they will envision what their life can produce in the future. Then build and maintain a watchtower so that you can warn of impending harm or be aware of them making foolish choices.
Unless, the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. (Ps 127) This is how to build. What are you building today?