the sweetness of grapes

A Poem: The Bunch of Grapes

Joy, I did lock thee up: but some bad man hath let thee out again:
And now, me thinks, I am where I began
Seven years ago: one vogue and vain, One air of thoughts usurps my brain.
I did toward Canaan draw; but now I am
Brought back to the Red sea, the sea of shame.

For as the Jews of old by God's command travelled, and saw no town:
So now each Christian hath his journeys spanned:
Their story pens and sets us down.
A single deed is small renown.
God's works are wide, and let in future times;
His ancient justice overflows our crimes.

Then have we too our guardian fires and clouds; Our Scripture-dew drops fast:
We have our sands and serpents, tents and shrouds;
Alas! our murmurings come not last.
But where's the cluster? where's the taste
Of mine inheritance? Lord, if I must borrow,
Let me as well take up their joy, as sorrow.

But can he want the grape, who hath the wine? I have their fruit and more.
Blessed be God, who prospered Noah's vine,
And made it bring forth grapes good store.
But much more him I must adore,
Who of the law's sour juice sweet wine did make,
Even God himself, being pressed for my sake.

George Herbert (1593-1633)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: the sweetness of grapes

“Paul was at the end of his life's journey and wrote to Timothy: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7). We all will arrive there someday. As Herbert says in today's poem, this is a journey not unlike Israel's exodus across Sinai. But instead of pillars of cloud and fire to guide us, we have Scripture and the Spirit; in place of manna we have the Word of God; sand and serpents vex us in the common troubles and ills of life; and life seems as temporary as a tent. And yes, like Israel, we murmur almost from beginning to end.

Have you ever asked, "OK, Lord, where is the reward? What is in this for me? You gave Israel that huge cluster of grapes as an incentive to continue the journey into the Promised Land. How about giving me something like that?" This is not uncommon. At such times it is prudent to remember that you are not living in Old Testament times. Since the advent, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers' rewards are not physical.

This is why Herbert makes a distinction between the grapes and the wine. God was "pressed" on the cross in the person of Jesus Christ. Our reward in this age is the sweet taste of that which Jesus accomplished there. The human journey today is much the same as in past millennia. The difference is that we may enjoy the ineffable effects of redemption.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

From Jon: I don't fully agree with the comment “believers' rewards are not physical”. I would think that such things as the sweetness of grapes, the smell of a newly bathed baby, the sound of beautiful music – all point to a crescendo of that which Christ won for us and we would be remiss to not enjoy them now. I wonder if in spring one day, the whole church should have a yummy evening meal in the hall and then with full stomachs watch the movie ‘Babette's Feast’.

Something to do: Eat some grapes.

Take the scooter (or car or bike or by foot), purchase a small bunch of grapes and make your way down to the cemetery. Enjoy the sweet flavour while wandering among the graves. Sense the contrast – that while in this life there is bitter pain and grief there is also sweetness. As you enjoy the sweet flavours let it be a picture of that which Christ won on the cross. Let the sweetness be a reminder that there are more good days than bad. Let the sweetness remind you that the Kingdom of God is now but also not fully yet, that the best is both now and the best is still to come. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: We will follow you Lord.

Jesus, our master and friend,
we promise to follow your way,
seek your truth
and live by the example of your life.
Strengthen us by your love,
so that we may be faithful to our promise.