1. My loved one had a vineyard (1-2a)

God is the vinedresser. Israel was his lovely vineyard. God cared for his vineyard and worked hard to help his people bear good fruit. Like the vineyard owner who built a watchtower and dug a winepress, he expected a crop of good fruit. Today, the people of Jesus are the new Israel of God (Mk 12:1-12). God saved us and made us his people so that we might bear the good fruit of Christian character and good fruit of preaching the gospel to all people. His name is glorified by good fruit.

2. Bad fruit (2b-7)

The vines that had been so carefully nurtured and so lovingly cared for produced bad fruit. Israel became proud and selfish instead of loving, obedient and thankful. She served idols. She disappointed God. God punished her by removing his loving, protecting hand and withholding his blessings from her.

Application: Lord, let the fruit of my life be good fruit that pleases you.
One Word: My Loved One's vineyard