GRAPES FROM THORNBUSHES - Trash is debris from plant materials, something worth little or nothing, and something thrown away. Trash is an excellent symbol for individuals who make a commitment to Jesus; then, quit living a Christian life because worldly cares choke their commitment. God’s judgment will fall on people who treat God and his laws as worthless, i.e., as if they are trash. If individuals want to be something thrown away like trash, God will allow them to be this way. God will give them over to a reprobate mind. - In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus averred that a man can’t gather grapes from thorn bushes. The second time that Jesus spoke of thorns in gospels was in the familiar parable of the sower and the seed. In the first century many farmers, scattered (broadcast) seed on top of the soil rather than plow soil, scattered seeds, then re-plowed soil to cover seeds. The challenge with broadcasting seed is that seed falls various places, i.e., on a pathway, in thin soil, among thorns. Seeds sprouted and grew; but, thorns can surround good seedlings and choke their growth. First century Palestine contained several types of thorns and thorn bushes. In Israel, buckthorns grow in wood, shrub-lands, and the mountain vegetation of Mount Hermon. The buckthorn is a slow-growing shrub, rarely reaching a height of six feet. The Palestine buckthorn is evergreen. It grows with a many-branched, tangled form, and velvety thorns.

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Grapes from Thornbushes

Trash is debris from plant materials, something worth little or nothing, and something thrown away. 

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Trash is an excellent symbol for individuals who make a commitment to Jesus; then, quit living a Christian life because worldly cares choke their commitment. God’s judgment will fall on people who treat God and his laws as worthless, i.e., as if they are trash. If individuals want to be something thrown away like trash, God will allow them to be this way. God will give them over to a reprobate mind.

Carolyn Roth Ministry

 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus averred that a man can’t gather grapes from thorn bushes.

The second time that Jesus spoke of thorns in gospels was in the familiar parable of the sower and the seed.

Most of us can recite this parable:

“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.  Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.  Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” - (Matthew 13.3-8 ESV).

In the first century many farmers, scattered (broadcast) seed on top of the soil rather than plow soil, scattered seeds, then re-plowed soil to cover seeds.  

The challenge with broadcasting seed is that seed falls various places, i.e., on a pathway, in thin soil, among thorns.

Seeds sprouted and grew; but, thorns can surround good seedlings and choke their growth.

Jesus’s interpretation of seed which fell among thorns is: “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Matthew 13.22 ESV).  

Thornbush

First century Palestine contained several types of thorns and thorn bushes.

The Bible names several to them, i.e., Jotham’s thorn tree in Judges, crackling thorn bushes in Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah’s buckthorn (Rhamnus lycioides, R. palaestinus). 

In Israel, buckthorns grow in wood, shrub-lands, and the mountain vegetation of Mount Hermon. The buckthorn is a slow-growing shrub, rarely reaching a height of six feet.

The Palestine buckthorn is evergreen. It grows with a many-branched, tangled form, and velvety thorns. 

Young stems are green; with maturity, bark turns gray.

The buckthorn fruit is a small (1/4 inch), oval berry.

Initially, the berry is green, but, turns black when ripe. Berries are poisonous to humans, but a good source of food for birds.

Symbolism: Trash

A Hebrew word for thorn is shayith which translates as trash, scrub, and thorn. 

Trash is debris from plant materials, something worth little or nothing, and something thrown away.

Trash is an excellent symbol for individuals who make a commitment to Jesus; then, quit living a Christian life because worldly cares choke their commitment.

God’s judgment will fall on people who treat God and his laws as worthless, i.e., as if they are trash. 

If individuals want to be something thrown away like trash, God will allow them to be this way (Romans 1.28). 

God will give them over to a reprobate mind.

Reflection: How do you behave in a “trashy” manner?

Carolyn Roth Ministry (CarolynRothMinistry.com) offers research, education, and consultation to individuals and organizations who want to deepen their understanding of the Bible.

Welcome to godasagardener.com

As the site editor, participants should know I am a spiritual woman with a deep belief in God. Many friends would describe my Christian perspective as orthodox. I believe in the inspired, written word of God. I live in Roanoke, Virginia.  I am a Virginia Master Gardener and a Tree Steward.

This website/blog glorifies God within the context of earth as His garden, describes Bible  and other growing plants, and applies them to our Christian walk in the 21st century. On Creation day 3, God created vegetation, e.g., trees, herbs, flowers. On this site, the word plant will be used to encompass all types of vegetation.  God created plants right after He created the heavens (Day 2) and before He created the sun, moon, and stars (Day 4). This creative order demonstrates that God valued and had a purpose for the varied flora in our world. Our response to this creative process should first be love for the Creator and second a reverence for this earthly garden.

https://godasagardener.com/2019/02/20/grapes-from-thornbushes/

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THERE'S ANOTHER BLESSING COMING - To the amazement of many Gentile believers, Israel's restoration has begun, the "Prodigal" son is returning, just as the prophets foretold. And just like the older brother, much of the Gentile church has failed to comprehend the unconditional love of God and His faithfulness to Israel, and is complaining about or even opposing this restoration, which is beginning as a physical return to the ancient homeland, and will continue as a complete national spiritual rebirth. The Lord will adorn them with a robe, prepare a kingly feast and restore Israel's position in the Millennial Kingdom. “Now if the fall of them [Jews] be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?” - The parable of the Prodigal son might also serve as an illustration of the relationship between Israel and the Church. In this perspective, both Israel and the Church have been in the position of each of the brothers, but for the purpose of this message, we will look at the Church as the older brother. Since the Jewish leadership rejected the Messiah at His first coming, the Jewish people have been dispersed across the globe for nearly 2000 years, as it were, fatherless, and without a homeland. The result of this rejection has been grace to the Gentile nations as the gospel has gone out over the world, while the Jews have been persecuted, often in the name of their own Messiah, Yeshua, (Jesus).

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There's another blessing coming!

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To the amazement of many Gentile believers, Israel's restoration has begun, the "Prodigal" son is returning, just as the prophets foretold. And just like the older brother, much of the Gentile church has failed to comprehend the unconditional love of God and His faithfulness to Israel, and is complaining about or even opposing this restoration, which is beginning as a physical return to the ancient homeland, and will continue as a complete national spiritual rebirth. The Lord will adorn them with a robe, prepare a kingly feast and restore Israel's position in the Millennial Kingdom.

Worthy Ministries

 

“Now if the fall of them [Jews] be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?” - Romans 11:12

 

The parable of the Prodigal son might also serve as an illustration of the relationship between Israel and the Church.

In this perspective, both Israel and the Church have been in the position of each of the brothers, but for the purpose of this message, we will look at the Church as the older brother.

Since the Jewish leadership rejected the Messiah at His first coming, the Jewish people have been dispersed across the globe for nearly 2000 years, as it were, fatherless, and without a homeland.

The result of this rejection has been grace to the Gentile nations as the gospel has gone out over the world, while the Jews have been persecuted, often in the name of their own Messiah, Yeshua, (Jesus).

Although the Gentile church was warned by Paul in his letter to the Romans (Chapter 11), not to become proud in their knowledge of the Messiah, but to remain humble and loving toward Israel, to make her jealous, the church has largely failed (until recently) and has, instead, adopted an attitude toward Israel almost identical to the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Those who believed that God had forsaken the Jewish people because of their disobedience, remained silent or even participated in the persecution of Jews.

Now, to the amazement of many Gentile believers, Israel's restoration has begun, the "Prodigal" son is returning, just as the prophets foretold.

And just like the older brother, much of the Gentile church has failed to comprehend the unconditional love of God and His faithfulness to Israel, and is complaining about or even opposing this restoration, which is beginning as a physical return to the ancient homeland, and will continue as a complete national spiritual rebirth.

The Lord will adorn them with a robe, prepare a kingly feast and restore Israel's position in the Millennial Kingdom.

So, now... how will we, as the "elder brother" church respond to this restoration of our "younger" brother?

Will we, in self-righteous contentment and jealousy despise and oppose this grace toward Israel?

Will we become angry and bitter that, after 2000 years of labor in the father's vineyard, he hasn't thrown a party for us, but ecstatically welcomed our undeserving "brother"?

If we do, I believe we will miss our blessing.

Charles Spurgeon stated, "I think we do not attach enough importance to the restoration of the Jews. But certainly, if there is anything promised in the Bible it is this. The day shall yet come when the Jews, who were the first apostles to the Gentiles, the first missionaries to us who were afar off, shall be gathered in again. Until that shall be, the fullness of the church's glory can never come. Matchless benefits to the world are bound up with the restoration of Israel, their gathering shall be as life from the dead."

A great blessing of God is bound up with His love and faithfulness to the Jewish people – a blessing for us which is closely related to our response to this returning "Prodigal Son".

Will we embrace him, join and participate in his joyful return?

Will we be a responsible older brother and seek to mend and heal the wounded relationship with the Father?

Or will we remain silent as Israel is confronted by all manner of opposition, including those who are calling for their annihilation?

My friend – if there was ever a day when we need to be the elder son that should have been – it's today!

With so much work to be done, please remember us in your prayers, as we labor in the midst of this amazing prophetic restoration of the Lord's beloved (for the sake of the fathers), Israel.

Worthy Ministries is a Christian organization based in Israel with a global outreach to more than 120 countries on a daily basis.

Though we are an internet ministry, we are also significantly involved in the land of Israel. Living in Southern part of Israel near the Dead Sea, we run Worthy News and minister full-time to the many spiritually hungry people in our region. Learn about our Project Hear O Israel.

https://www.worthydevotions.com/christian-devotional/theres-another-blessing-coming

THE GARMENT OF GODLINESS - Many of the religious rulers had heard the good news of salvation through repentance and refused to humble themselves and come to the Savior. The same is true of many religious leaders today - the simple invitation of entrance to the heavenly kingdom by faith is better received amongst the common folk than the educated elites. But there were some who attempted to enter into the kingdom by their own works. The custom of that day was for the host to give each guest a special robe so all could be dressed cleanly and equally for the wedding feast. It was an insult to refuse this garment and to insist on intruding in work clothes - all who attempt to gain entrance into heaven by their own righteousness will incite the king's wrath - "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless" - The text is part of a parable Jesus gave to help us understand the nature of salvation and entrance into the heavenly kingdom. He begins this passage by stating: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come." Many of the religious rulers had heard the good news of salvation through repentance and refused to humble themselves and come to the Savior. The same is true of many religious leaders today. So, the passage goes on to tell how the king's servants were sent: "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage."

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The Garment of Godliness

Many of the religious rulers had heard the good news of salvation through repentance and refused to humble themselves and come to the Savior. 

,

The same is true of many religious leaders today - the simple invitation of entrance to the heavenly kingdom by faith is better received amongst the common folk than the educated elites. But there were some who attempted to enter into the kingdom by their own works. The custom of that day was for the host to give each guest a special robe so all could be dressed cleanly and equally for the wedding feast. It was an insult to refuse this garment and to insist on intruding in work clothes - all who attempt to gain entrance into heaven by their own righteousness will incite the king's wrath

BY DAVID WOETZEL, B.S.

 

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless" - (Matthew 22:11-12).

 

 

The text is part of a parable Jesus gave to help us understand the nature of salvation and entrance into the heavenly kingdom.

He begins this passage by stating: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come" (verses 2-3).

Many of the religious rulers had heard the good news of salvation through repentance and refused to humble themselves and come to the Savior.

The same is true of many religious leaders today.

So, the passage goes on to tell how the king's servants were sent: "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage" (verse 9).

Still today we find that the simple invitation of entrance to the heavenly kingdom by faith is better received amongst the common folk than the educated elites.

But there were some who attempted to enter into the kingdom by their own works.

The middle eastern custom of that day was for the host to give each guest a special robe so all (even poor folks) could be dressed cleanly and equally for the wedding feast.

It was an insult to refuse this garment and to insist on intruding in work clothes.

Today, all who attempt to gain entrance into heaven by their own righteousness will incite the king's wrath: "Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen" (verses 13-14).

Dave Woetzel graduated from Bob Jones University in 1987 with a degree in Physics/Engineering. While a businessman by profession, he has travelled extensively researching possible living dinosaurian creatures and has created the Genesis Park website, showcasing the evidence that men and dinosaurs coexisted. Dave has participated in debates and presentations regarding origins around the United States and Canada.

The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) wants people to know that God’s Word can be trusted in everything it speaks about—from how and why we were made, to how the universe was formed, to how we can know God and receive all He has planned for us.

After 50 years of ministry, ICR remains a leader in scientific research within the context of biblical creation. Founded by Dr. Henry Morris in 1970, ICR exists to conduct scientific research within the realms of origins and Earth history, and then to educate the public both formally and informally through professional training programs, through conferences and seminars around the country, and through books, magazines, and media presentations.

https://www.icr.org/article/garment-godliness

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