Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. It is indeed a blessing to be gathered here today in the house of the Lord, with hearts open and ready to receive His Word.

Today, we find ourselves in the heartland of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 16, verse 10. It reads,

"Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards; no one treads out wine at the presses, for I have put an end to the shout."

A vineyard silenced, joy and gladness removed. A striking image, isn't it? It's an image that resonates with the times we find ourselves in - times when joy and gladness often seem in short supply. But, dear friends, let's remember that even in the silence, even in the absence of joy and gladness, God is there. He is there in the silence, in the waiting, in the longing.

I'm reminded of the words of John Piper, who once wrote, "The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to receive from Christ the nourishment and strength and hope and joy that come from feasting our souls on all that He purchased for us on the cross, especially His own fellowship."

Today, we will consider the manifestation of the Messiah, the meaning of the Meal, and the mystery of the Vineyard. We'll ponder the Messiah's presence in our lives, the profound significance of the Meal we share in His name, and the enigma that is the Vineyard - the kingdom of God.

But before we go any further, let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the gift of life, for the privilege to gather in Your Name. We pray that as we reflect on Your Word today, You would open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of Your love for us. Guide us, Lord, in our understanding. Help us to see You in the silence, to find joy and gladness in Your presence, and to grow stronger in our faith as we lean on You. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Manifestation of the Messiah

A life of service: The Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, did not come in a blaze of glory, but in the quiet of a stable. His birth was not announced with fanfare to the powerful and influential, but to humble shepherds in a field. His life was not one of privilege and prestige, but of service and sacrifice.

The humility of the Messiah: He did not come to be served, but to serve. He did not come to be honored, but to honor His Father in Heaven. He did not come to take, but to give His life as a ransom for many.

The sacrifice of the Messiah: He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He bore our sins and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.

The patience of the Messiah: He did not rush to establish His kingdom, but patiently endured suffering and death. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, did not threaten when He suffered, but entrusted Himself to His Father who judges justly.

The hope of the Messiah: He endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him. He looked beyond the suffering of the present to the glory that was to come. He saw not a silenced vineyard, but a fruitful harvest.

The love of the Messiah: He loved us so much that He gave His life for us. He loved us so much that He endured the cross for us. He loved us so much that He rose again for us. His love is not a fleeting emotion, but a steadfast commitment. His love is not a shallow sentiment, but a deep sacrifice. His love is not a vague concept, but a vivid reality.

The promise of the Messiah: He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He has promised to be with us always, to the very end of the age. He has promised to wipe every tear from our eyes, to turn our mourning into dancing, our sorrow into joy.

Meaning of the Meal

The elements: The bread, the wine, the body, the blood - these elements of the Meal hold deep significance ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO