FRUIT OF THE VINE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1941, Page 9

FRUIT OF THE VINE

"The image of the vine as representing the people of God was familiar in the use of prophets and psalmists.” said the Archbishop of York, Dr. Temple, in a recent address. “This familiar image found visible expression in the great golden vine which trailed over the gate of Herod's temple; it was a symbol of the life of Israel, entwined about the sanctuary of God. But everywhere in the Old Testament this image is connected with disappointment. The vine has not yielded the-fruit expected of it. God has fulfilled His part, but His people have not responded. ’He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. . . . He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. So it was throughout the history of the old Israel. Then One came who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. He is approaching that death by which Tie’will give life to the world. He has but lately distributed to His disciples the fruit of the vine, telling them to see in it His blood, that is to say. His life offered through death to God in perfect sacrifice that it may be united to God for ever; it was the life of love, which always shows itself in sacrifice.”