For several days my Bible would open to the same exact passage of scripture. I didn’t mean for it to happen. Yet, it did again and again. As I would meditate on the word before me, the words WILD GRAPES caught my attention.

Let me sing now for my well-beloved a song of my beloved concerning His vineyard. My well-beloved had a vineyard on a fertile hill.

He dug it up and cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; so He expected it to bring forth (produce) good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes. (Isaiah 5:1-2)

Although this passage speaks to Israel, we know the Word of God speaks as true today in our own lives and that all scripture is used to teach, rebuke, etc. So there is today, something I must pay attention to here in this generation.

The Lord expected His vineyard (place of fruit) to yield (or produce) “good” grapes but it yielded “wild grapes.” So what is the difference here? Why the term “wild” grapes?

When you look at the meaning of the word in its original form you will find a word that means the following:

(H891) Stinking or worthless things, wild grapes, stink berries (poison-berries)

It’s an interesting and noteworthy thing to consider when reading up on vineyards and the differentiating factors of wild grapes versus good grapes. Wild grapes look very similar to 2 other vine climbing berries that are poisonous and harmful to humans. So, you must be well versed in identifying accurately one from the other. Spiritually speaking, the same can be said of our own discernment. We need it today desperately.

This word comes from a root word H889: stench, foul odor. Stink.

This reminds me of the scripture in Isaiah 65:5 that says  They say, ‘Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.

Another word used regarding wild grapes is the word, “Unripe.” Gaze at the definition:

Unripe

un·​ripe | \ ˌən-ˈrīp

Definition of unripe

1 : not ripe : immature unripe fruit

2 : not ready : unprepared unripe plans

Also concerning is the word in some translations “produce.” He expected the vineyard to produce good grapes. The word produce is a quite deep word in Hebrew. It means to accomplish, advance, appoint, bring forth, be busy, and have charge over.

It was always the intent of the Lord that His people would be advancing the Kingdom. Bear good fruit. Tend the vineyard well. Care for His sheep.

The disciples created quite a stir daily plucking people from the kingdom of darkness into the light. Yet, often we’ve rested too long, enjoyed life a bit too much, and forsaken the call of the gospel. In essence, we have often been unprepared and immature in our walk with Christ.

It is time to make some changes friends. Fulfill your ministry assignments. You have been called by God to tend His vineyard in some unique way that produces good fruit.

Pray and ask the Lord to help you shift into His heart and mind so that you might accomplish daily His will.