The parable of the destruction of the vine.
The Jews have often been compared to a vine well cared for by God, and the same comparison, on our Lord's authority, may be applied to Christians. In the present case we have a description first of the prosperity of the vine, and then of the devastating ruin of it.
I. THE PROSPERITY OF THE VINE.
1. It was planted by the waters. Thus it was well nourished and refreshed. God cares for his children, and supplies their wants. The river of the water of life is for their refreshment. They cannot charge their sin to any failing in God's grace.
2. It was fruitful. The early history of Israel shows that the people of God could give some return in service and holy living. God's people have borne fruit in works of zeal and charity. This fruitfulness is what is most looked for in the vine (John 15:5).
3. It was well developed. "Full of branches." Israel grew in population. The Church has grown in numbers. External prosperity has been seen in the visible enlargment of Christendom.
4. It was influential. Its branches were so great that they became strong rods for sceptres. Israel exerted royal influence. The Church has been high in power. Weakness and limitation of influence cannot he pleaded as excuses for the neglect of her mission.
5. It was honoured. "Her stature was exalted among the thick branches." The vine grew in height as well as in the breadth of her extending branches. Israel stood high. The Church has received her full mead of honour.
III. THE RUIN OF THE VINE. All this former excellence did not prevent a furious vengeance from falling upon the vine. Israel's glorious history did not save her from the doom of her sins. The past of the Church will be no shield from the judgment which must fall on her present or future faithlessness. The vine was grievously hurt.
1. It was plucked up. Israel was driven into exile. The sinner will lose his old privileges.
2. It was cast to the ground. In place of the previous exaltation of its lordly branches, there is to be a shameful humiliation as they are torn down and strewn over the ground.
3. Its fruit was dried up. Old good deeds are forgotten in later sin. When the soul is down in shame and mire, there is no longer power or opportunity to perform the old useful service.
4. Its sceptre-like rods were destroyed—broken, withered, and consumed by fire. Power departs with the loss of the old position and prosperity The fallen Church loses influence.
5. It is planted in the wilderness. The poor plant is left there to languish for lack of water and nourishing soil. The doom of sin is to shrivel up and fade away in a spiritual wilderness.
6. The worst fate comes from the vine upon itself. The fire proceeds from a rod of her own branches. The royal family of Israel brought down destruction on the nation. The sins of the Church produce its desolation. The fire of judgment that consumes each sinner springs from his own evil heart.
HOMILIES BY J.R. THOMSON