Vineyard of the Lord
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the vine and concealed it from their sight. Again He planted it, but on
the other side of the wall and in such a manner that the stock was no
longer visible. The branches hung over the wall, and grafts might be
joined to it; but the stem itself was placed beyond the power of men to
reach or harm.
Of special value to God’s church on earth today—the keepers of
His vineyard—are the messages of counsel and admonition given
through the prophets who have made plain His eternal purpose in
behalf of mankind. In the teachings of the prophets, His love for the
lost race and His plan for their salvation are clearly revealed. The story
of Israel’s call, of their successes and failures, of their restoration to
divine favor, of their rejection of the Master of the vineyard, and of
the carrying out of the plan of the ages by a goodly remnant to whom
are to be fulfilled all the covenant promises—this has been the theme
of God’s messengers to His church throughout the centuries that have
passed. And today God’s message to His church—to those who are
occupying His vineyard as faithful husbandmen—is none other than
that spoken through the prophet of old: “Sing ye unto her, A vineyard
of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest
any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.”
Isaiah 27:2, 3
.
Let Israel hope in God. The Master of the vineyard is even now
gathering from among men of all nations and peoples the precious
fruits for which He has long been waiting. Soon He will come unto
His own; and in that glad day His eternal purpose for the house of
Israel will finally be fulfilled. “He shall cause them that come of Jacob
to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world
with fruit.”
Verse 6
.
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