“When they reached the Valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them…”—Numbers 14:23
This image of men going into the Promised Land and bringing back good fruit indicates the true goodness of the land God promised to the Israelites. Can you imagine how great these grapes were? They were so big and plentiful that it took TWO men to carry a SINGLE cluster!
The image of fruitful vines is mentioned in the Bible more than any other plant. The grapevine was of great cultural and economic importance in Biblical times. The vine is often used symbolically in God’s Word.
“I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?”—Jeremiah 2:21
God’s fruit is always good, plentiful and of premier quality. The wild vine produces fruit; however it is dangerous, destructive and deadly. God uses these images throughout the Bible to show His goodness and generosity as well as the dangerous when we do anything apart from Him.
In Biblical times the vineyard was incredibly important to people. In Isaiah, there is a picture of God clearing away the stones and planting the choice vines on a fertile hillside (see Isaiah 5). It is God here doing the work, asking His people to partner with Him. Because of this blessed partnership, God would bless, sustain and be a watchtower to His people.
The blessing of partnership would produce good fruit that is incredibly versatile. The grapes themselves could be eaten fresh or dried, pressed for wine or made into vinegar. God’s vineyard had every advantage.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Let us remember that we can do nothing apart from Christ. While God is working in us, He promises to prune us to make us more fruitful (see John 15:2). God is doing a good work right now using My Olive Tree. With your help, we are planting grapevines in the Negev Desert, creating employment for Israelis, supporting humanitarian aid, and fulfilling prophecy!
We are asking God to prune each of His Believers to bear even more fruit, to show others His love. Won’t you join us in this amazing mission to show God’s amazing grace to the people and land of Israel? God’s promise to restore Israel is real and is being fulfilled now.
Jesus is the true vine, and we as the branches are called to work with the grace of God so that grace is not received in vain. God does not want us to receive His mercy and grace and become passive, but instead to encourage each other so that we, as Believers, can display God’s love.
If God is stirring your heart to show His love to Israel, [CLICK HERE] to sponsor your very own grapevine today. Be a part of His mission to restore Israel and share His love and generosity to the world. Ask Him to prune you to bear more of His gracious and good fruit!