Preserving and Protecting the Vineyard

By Charles R. Reed Sr. ThD

Jesus claimed “the gates of Hell” would not triumph against His church. Even death, the ultimate weapon of Satan, would not succeed in destroying it. The key to the success of any church is qualified godly leadership. In instructing Titus, the apostle Paul wrote that this leadership “must hold firm to the trustworthy word, give instruction to sound doctrine, and rebuke those who would contradict it” (1:9). The apostle then appealed to Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (2:1). Sound meaning truths, attitudes, and actions that correspond with Biblical truth. These are the leaders the Lord wants in His church. Sound Doctrine is crucial for salvation and spiritual growth. It is a sign that a church is alive and healthy. The apostle wrote to Timothy (I Timothy 4:1), “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teaching of demons.” That time is here and now and has progressed slowly through the centuries. Jesus warned of this (Matthew 24:24) as well as the apostle Paul (Acts 28:28-30), that false teachers will slither into the church causing great harm, confusing congregations, and dividing the church body. The authority of God and His Word is being challenged. Pastors and their staffs must be prepared to preserve and protect their Vineyards.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385016792

Charles R. Reed Sr. ThD

Dr Reed was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. He became a Christian at age ten. Dr Reed graduated from the Practical Bible Training School, Johnson City, New York (1970). He completed a BRE with Trinity College of the Bible, Evansville, Indiana (1989), and an MA from Trinity College and Seminary, Evansville, Indiana (1994). Dr. Reed completed his doctoral studies (ThD) through Christian College and Seminary, Blue Springs, Missouri (2018). While pursuing his education Dr. Reed spent twenty-two years in Christian education teaching history and Bible at the high school and middle school level, as well as coaching several sports. He was awarded Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers multiple times. Dr. Reed served as adjunct professor for the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary as well as Moody Bible Institute Extension in Florida. Dr. Reed was ordained a Cumberland Presbyterian minister in 2007. He founded and pastored Immanuel Church in the Dade City/Zephyrhills area until his retirement in March of 2020. Dr. Reed and his wife Marion reside in Florida and have three children and eight grandchildren. He is the author of the book Steadfast and Immovable. They attend New Walk Church in Zephyrhills, Florida.

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Copyright © 2024 Charles R. Reed Sr. ThD.

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ISBN: 979-8-3850-1678-5 (sc)

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WestBow Press rev. date: 03/19/2024

CONTENTS

Introduction

I.      What Did Jesus Preach?

II.    The Vineyard

III.   Kings, Priests, And False Prophets Of The Southern Kingdom

IV.   After The Captivities

V.     Israel In The Four-Hundred Silent Years

VI.   Shepherds In Jesus Day

VII.  A Missed Opportunity

VIII. What Was The Doctrine Taught By Jesus?

IX.    The Apostle’s Doctrine

X.      The Benefit Of Sound Doctrine

XI.    The Apostolic Challenge

XII.   Boars In God’s Vineyard

XIII.  Philosophies And Ideologies That Challenge Today’s Church

Epilogue

Bibliography

About The Author

INTRODUCTION

By way of introduction, I would like to quote from the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians Chapter 4:11-13 (ESV) "And he (that is Christ Jesus) gave the apostles, the prophets, the Evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up of the body of Christ, (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." To equip someone is to prepare them for a future task. In the military, men and women are committed to extensive training to prepare them for combat. They march in unison, they run long distances, they participate in calisthenics, they go through exercises in using various weapons, etc. When the drill sergeant and commanding officer believe these individuals are ready for any military participation, they send them to fields of operation. I would believe that a manual has been prepared that they must know from cover to cover. God has given his followers a manual – it is His Word, the Bible. We memorize its wisdom and apply it to our everyday Christian life. We rely on a power source, the Holy Spirit, to understand its meaning. The weapons we use in our warfare is the Word and love. We attack the unexpected and impossible and expect miracles. Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) tells us, Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, (21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

In my study I came across an article that listed the marks of a spiritual leader. The writer did not give His or her name so I can’t give that person credit. It told me what I could become if I gave up self and let God take ownership of my life. The first thing the writer says about spiritual leadership in the church is that I will be surprised daily by what I am capable of doing for the cause of Christ, but I should give all the glory to the ONE who makes our success possible. The apostle Paul writes to the church at Corinth, I Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Another mark of a spiritual leader, as a servant of God we develop a love for friend and foe. Throughout our spiritual development we grow in our spiritual attitude and lifestyle. Since we are imitators of Christ Jesus, it is His love that is seen in us for those who believe and those who do not. We trust God hoping and resting in His promises. We commit ourselves to the care of the church, the vineyard He has chosen for us where we can serve Him. Before we go out to serve, we meditate on His Word seeking direction and praying for positive results. At the same time, we acknowledge just how helpless, frail, and vulnerable we are. As you look at these principles of a spiritual leader you will agree that it is not all about us. It is not what God can offer to us, but what we can offer in servitude through the work of the Holy Spirit through us. We are His spiritual servants, kind to everyone, able to teach patiently enduring evil. Called by God to preach and teach His Word, calling on our God for strength, discernment, and insight.

The title for anyone God has called to teach or preach His Word according to Ephesians 4, in the New King James Version is Pastor and Teachers, in the English Standard Version it is Shepherds and Teachers. For one day we must all appear before God to give an account for what we have done for Him to further His Kingdom, the apostle James warns, 3:1 (ESV) Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. Obviously, the Apostle is referring to future judgment. For the true teacher and expositor of God’s Word there will be reward. But woe to that one who is a false teacher, there will be strict judgment. The apostle did not want to discourage anyone who had a desire to teach but that he or she take that role of teaching seriously. The author of Hebrews wrote, 13:17(ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

A false teacher should be concerned how they interpret and speak God’s Word, for they will have to answer to God. One who speaks the oracles of God should do so with a serious attitude and with sobriety. Quoting the words of the prophet Ezekiel 33:7-9(ESV) So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. (8) If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. (9) But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. Any prophet of God who was given the responsibility to speak a message of repentance was held accountable.

If he became irresponsible and refused, he would have to answer to God. The apostle Paul in talking with the elders at Ephesus before leaving for Jerusalem said, Acts 20:27 (ESV) for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. The whole counsel of God for the apostle was not the entire Old Testament, but from what some Bible scholars say is God’s purpose when it comes to the Salvation of man. In writing to the church at Philippi the apostle referred to some pastors who enjoyed knowing that Paul was incarcerated which prohibited him from going out into the streets to preach the Gospel. This gave them an opportunity that was limited when the apostle Paul was active. The Apostle wrote Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV) indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry. There were others who legitimately took up the slack for the apostle, (v. 18) but others preach Christ ‘from good will. The former, he wrote, proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment." The apostle rejoiced that either way (v. 18) whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. The apostle knew that through their activity the Word of God would not return void.

In my years of ministry, I have asked myself what is the motive behind what I preach to my church family. I have often told them when I am behind what some ministers call the sacred desk or pulpit, I am presenting to them exactly what God has called me to preach. I ask myself, am I doing this out of love and commitment to teaching the truth, or "am I a noisy gong or a clanging symbol"? Do I preach Christ and Him crucified, or am I just making a lot of noise? In the Lord’s High Priestly Prayer John 17:14-19 (ESV) the Master was praying for His disciples (14) I have given them your word and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. The Lord had given them His truth, He then prayed that the Father would keep them from the evil one, the (15) destroyer of all things. Continuing in His prayer (19) And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. Sanctify means to set apart for a special purpose to do what God commands. In this case God would want them as He would want us, to take up where His Son left off. They were to continue preaching the gospel after the Lord’s ascension (Acts 1:8). (MacArthur, Commentary, Pg. 1414) "Sanctification is accomplished by means of the truth, which is the revelation that the Son gave regarding all that the Father commanded Him to communicate and is continued in the Scriptures left by the apostles." The apostle Paul wrote that the love for the church family should be like a man’s love for His wife, totally and sacrificially Ephesians 5:25 (ESV) Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. The apostle Peter wrote in, I Peter 1:22-23 (ESV) Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, (23) since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. The apostle Paul wrote in II Timothy 2:15(ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. The NKJV ends this verse rightly dividing the word of truth. All those who stand before God’s flock Sunday after Sunday are required "to give maximum effort to impart God’s word completely, accurately, and clearly to his hearers. This is crucial to counter the disastrous effects of false teachers and may I say, some of these false teachers are in our churches as I write. Continue quoting Dr. John MacArthur, (Commentary, Page 1808) Precision and accuracy are required in biblical interpretation, beyond all other enterprises, because the interpreter is handling God’s Word. Anything less is shameful. It is not just any book; this is God’s Word which should be rightly handled. We must love the people whom God gave and not send them a confusing message or waste their time. The Bible was compiled and written over several thousand years in three different languages Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek by thirty-five individual authors. It is the expositor’s responsibility to take their word across these years and properly exegete it to listeners in the twenty- first century. To do so Sunday after Sunday should not be done haphazardly or carelessly. It is just not any book; it is God’s Word!

When Christ Jesus came to earth, He was referred to by many as rabbi, or teacher. What did He teach? In Matthew’s gospel He taught the good news of the Kingdom. Should one believe in Him by faith he would become a member of that Kingdom. The Kingdom resides in the hearts of men through salvation. The Kingdom is the sphere of God’s dominion over those who belong to Him. It is manifested in Heaven’s spiritual rule over the hearts of believers. Jesus said to the Pharisees Luke 17: 20-22(ESV) when asked by them "when the kingdom of God would come, The Kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, (21) nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is! Or there! For behold the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you." Jesus was saying that His Father’s Kingdom was not confined to one location, that it would come quietly and invisibly, it would not be your normal kingdom, yet it would have a definite King and subjects. Even though the King would temporarily take up residence in Heaven following His ascension, the Kingdom would eventually be established on earth Revelation 20: 4-6 (ESV). The Lord Jesus taught His disciples, and He taught us too, to pray, Matthew 6:10 (ESV) Your kingdom come on earth. At the Lord’s inquisition, Pilate asked Jesus if He were a king, and the King responded, you say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world --to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice John 18:36,37 (ESV). Prior to this Jesus was quick to admit, (36) My kingdom is not of this world.

I

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WHAT DID JESUS PREACH?

Luke 4:43(ESV) but he said to them, I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose." The prophet Daniel wrote, Daniel 2:44 (ESV) And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever. Also, Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV) I saw in the night visions and behold with the clouds of heaven there came one like the son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. (14) And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. The teachings of the Kingdom begin in (Matthew 5-7). In Matthew 6:33 (ESV) Jesus said, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Jesus was referring to the sphere of the Kingdom that is only available to those who seek righteousness, salvation in Christ Jesus is the only way to enter His Kingdom. It is through the Lord Jesus’ imputed righteousness that allows one to become a subject of the Kingdom. Then that individual would fall under God’s care and protection. The Sermon on the Mount was not intended to lead one to salvation, even though Jesus does say belief in Him would allow one to enter the Kingdom; yet it was intended to present to a believer a lifestyle one should develop to live as a follower of Christ. Jesus also taught the parables of the Kingdom in Matthew chapters 13, 18, 20, 21, 22, and 25. At times the Lord would preface one of His parables with the kingdom of heaven is like. The Kingdom of heaven and earth are one and the same.

In Matthew 13:10-17 (ESV) the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke to the people in parables. He answered them in (vv. 11-17) To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. (12) For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (13) This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (14) Indeed, in their case the prophesy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.’ (15) For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears understand with their heart. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. (17) For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Two other items of this teaching have to do with laborers in the vineyard chapter 20, which we will refer to later, and the seven woes Jesus pronounced on the religious leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, (23:1-36). In Matthew 15:14 (ESV), Jesus calls these religious leaders "blind guides who lead blind people and both will fall into a pit" (14).

Mark’s gospel was written later than the other three. The apostle Peter helped Mark compile and collect his information. He included in his writings some of the teachings of the Master, such as parables in chapters four and twelve. The purpose of the parables (4:10-20) and the Great Commandment are included in chapter twelve.

Luke’s gospel is filled with the Lord’s teachings, including the parables and their purpose (8:4-8). In chapter eleven Jesus teaches His disciples to pray (ESV) your kingdom come. Other parables are found in chapters 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19.

John’s gospel in not considered a synoptic. It is entirely different than the other three, yet it is filled With the Lord’s teachings. John begins by introducing the Messiah as the light of the world who gives light to every man. Those who see the light and believe on Him are given the privilege of becoming sons or children of God. John saw the Lord approaching him and proclaimed "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" Jn 1; 29, (ESV). Jesus also used the evening visit of Nicodemus, the Jewish ruler to teach on the New Birth, chapter three. There are several healings in the book of John, most if not all performed on the Sabbath which angered the Pharisees but gave cause for teaching and debate. This would lead into the seven ego eimi proclamations of the Lord expressing theological significance. The most controversial was when Jesus told them he existed before Abraham, John 8:56-59 (ESV) your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. (57) So, the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ (58) Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was I am.’ (59) So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

In John six Jesus declares Himself to be I am the bread of life. In chapter eight, Jesus proclaimed "I am the light of the world". In chapter nine Jesus heals a man who is born blind. Again, it was on the Sabbath leading to another heated discussion with the religious leaders. Jesus concluded with something He had said to His disciples about those who would not understand His parables, about their not hearing or seeing. Jesus did not speak a parable at this time, but He did accuse the religious leaders of having the same malady. John 9:39-41 (ESV) For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’ (40) Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, ‘Are we also blind?’ (41) Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

In chapter ten Jesus is the good shepherd. His sheep hear His voice, and they follow Him, but they won’t follow the voice of another. He clarifies that as the good shepherd He will lay down His life for the sheep. He also claimed, I am the door of the sheep. As the good shepherd He adds that all others who come to the fold, false shepherds, are thieves and only are there to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus concludes His I Am declarations in chapter eleven when He says to Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. In chapter fourteen, to a frightened group of disciples in the upper room, I am the way, the truth, and the life. In chapter fifteen He is the true vine.

All four gospels give sufficient information on who Jesus is as He teaches on Himself and His kingdom. The question is, why would anyone choose to teach something else? Then you have the epistles written by the apostles. What did they teach? They taught what Jesus taught. Jesus told them to preach the Gospel which was first and foremost. They taught the truth given to them by the Holy Spirit. They taught repentance and seeking forgiveness for sin and faith in Christ Jesus. They taught correct doctrine the essentials of the Christian faith. If we neglect or even reject these teachings, we are rejecting Christ. Another question is, why do pastors and teachers teach anything but what is contained in the Word of God? Why have we failed in this? What is becoming of God’s vineyard?

II

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THE VINEYARD

In the United States alone there are approximately six-hundred churches that are called the Vineyard. Internationally there are 2,400 churches thus called in ninety-five countries. In Scripture, the vineyard of the Lord usually refers to the House of Israel, or the Kingdom of God on earth. According to (Isaiah 5:7), the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is Israel. A vineyard is on a plantation and comprised of grape-bearing vines; grapes that are grown mainly for wine producing. The science, practices, and study of vineyards and grape production is known as viticulture. Jesus began His vine and branches discourse John 15 (ESV) by declaring the last of His ego eimi sayings (1) I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Jesus was declaring that He is living energy – He is spiritual reality. He would continue to nourish and sustain the branches (His followers) just as the root and trunk of the Grape vine produces the energy that nourishes and sustains its branches while they develop their fruit. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that the branches on the vine cannot produce energy or life in themselves, (4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. Like the thieves and robbers Jesus referred to in John 10 it would be easy to recognize them since they have no regard for the sheep. In Matthew 7:15-20(ESV) Jesus said it would be easy to spot a false teacher or prophet by their fruit. These Imposters were attached to some other vine. Jesus said, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (16) You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (17) So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. (18) A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. (19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (20) Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. The key word in John 15:1-17 is abide which is used ten times. To abide means to remain stable or fixed, to stay in place firmly attached to the vine.

When it was time for the Lord to go to the cross, Jesus had spent three years preparing His disciples to assume an apostleship following His forty days stay on earth followed by His ascension. He knew Judas would betray Him, and that the disciple Peter would deny Him, and the rest of the disciples He predicted, Matthew 26:31 (ESV) Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. This discourse on the true vine and their perpetual abiding had become even more important. They would follow His Instructions and upon returning would seek Jesus in Galilee. The Lord had already prayed that their faith would not fail (Luke 22:32; John 17:9-11), and that prayer was answered.

For disciples then and now this John 15 is extremely relevant. For believers who bear fruit and are productive (3), the Lord does some pruning so that there is even more growth. Pruning on the part of the farmer is the careful removal of anything that would hinder this productivity. The Lord is careful to remind us, without Him there would be no productivity on our part (4-5). For those who do not bear fruit gives evidence that they are non-believers or indifferent to God’s command to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). Ultimately this type of branch will wither and end up in the fire (6). Dr. John MacArthur, (commentary, page 1406) "The image on non-fruit bearing branches being burned pictures eschatological judgment and eternal rejection (Ezekiel 15:6-8)." I used this quote and biblical reference because we will look at this passage in Ezekiel soon. With our abiding and fruit bearing the Father is glorified (Jn. 15:8-11). We are showing our devotion and love to our Lord and Savior by keeping His commandments (9-10), and there will be joy in doing so (11). Psalm 126:6(ESV), He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, will come home with shouts of joy, bringing His sheaves with him. The glue is found in Jn. 15:12-17. The glue that holds it all together is love. The example is Christ Jesus Himself (13). God chose us to do this great work of fruit bearing (16).

Notice that the Lord’s discourse on the vine is not addressed to the nation of Israel. According to Dr Warren Wiersbe (commentary, pg. 9) "The Bible speaks of three vines. (1) the people of Israel – who were not fruit bearers at the time of Christ. What they offered worshipers at the temple only produced bad fruit (Isaiah 5:27). (2) Christ and His church (John 15). (3) a godless Gentile society – the vine of the earth -- (Revelation 14:18-20) At this moment this vine is filling the earth with poisonous fruit. Isaiah 5:1-7 (ESV) Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard on a very fertile hill. (2) He dug it and cleared it of stones and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. (3) And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. (4) What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? (5) And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. (6) I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. (7) For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold bloodshed, for righteousness, but behold an outcry. The parable begins with a love song, it is a poetic parable having to do with the Kingdom of Judah, the southern kingdom. This chapter along with chapters nine and ten are filled with judgment following Judah’s rebellion. Both the vineyard and the fig tree are used in Scripture to represent the southern kingdom. At this point, the Prophet Isaiah and the southern kingdom would experience invasion from the Assyrians who had just devoured the northern kingdom of Israel. Later other invasions would come from the Babylonian Empire in 605 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC. Not only the fear of invasion, but the kingdom was also suffering from economic and theological anemia.

The key part or phrase of the love song of Isaiah 5 (ESV) is found in verse 2 but it yielded wild grapes. We are introduced to vengeful words (3-6). Who is it who loves the vineyard? Who is troubled because he is ignored by the habitants of Judah? It Is the vineyard of the Lord of hosts (7). Verses 5-6 provide a horrible connection, Eugene H. Peterson, The Message, page 921 paraphrases these verses: Let me tell you what I’ll do to my vineyard: I’ll tear down its fence and I’ll let It go to ruin. I’ll knock down the gate and let it be trampled. I’ll turn it into a patch of weeds, untended, uncared for – I’ll give orders to the clouds: ‘Don’t rain on the vineyard, ever! As owner of the vineyard, the Lord was expecting good results and an abundance of fruit. The disappointment is obvious, it failed. When God directed Israel out of Egypt there was great promise, Psalm 80:8-19 (ESV) You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. (9) You cleared the ground for It; it took deep root and filled the land. (10) The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty Cedars with its branches. (11) it sent out its branches to the sea and its shoots to the river. (12) Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? (13) The boar from the forest ravages it; and all that move in the field feed on it. (14) Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine, (15) the roots that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself. (16) They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your face! (17) But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! (18) Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we shall call upon your name!