Crushed
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This world can be a difficult place. Most of us, at some point in our life, will feel stomped on, crushed or ground up by worldly events. Jesus was also ground down in this life and crushed by the weight of all of our sins. A quick examination of the process that a grape goes through to become wine and grain goes through to become bread, reveals a striking similarity to Jesus’ life. They too, must be crushed. Perhaps we need to go through the same process, to become what He calls us to be, living food and drink for others. I invite you to read more.
The process from vine /field to table is remarkably similar for grapes and grain. Here is what the process looks like:
Grapes
- Crushed/Stomped On
- Fermented with yeast
- Clarification/strained
- Aged/bottled
Grain
- Milled by grinding stones
- Allowed to rise with yeast
- Kneaded and then baked
- Packaged
Jesus gave His body to us as bread and His blood to us as wine. He is the food that sustains eternal life (John 6:22-59). Now He is calling us to give of ourselves too. If grapes and grain had feelings, there is no doubt that the process from grape on the vine to wine in the bottle and the process from wheat in the field to bread on the bakery shelf would be excruciating. They must be crushed, ground down and strained. Our life often resembles this process. It is comforting to know that the Master is with us, overseeing every step of our processing.
We must remember that after the grapes are crushed and the wheat is ground they produce the world’s finest wines and gourmet artisan breads. So if you are currently experiencing the grind of life, the crushing weight of recurring sin, the everyday strain of human existence or the fermenting process of grief, try to keep your eyes looking forward. We must never lose hope, never despair and never give up. Ultimately God knows that we can become choice wine and delicious bread that feeds others. God is preparing a great banquet and we are called to be part of the feast.
We must also remember that even before going through processing the grape and the wheat had to first be chosen by the vintner and harvester. God is that vintner and God is the harvester. He has chosen you (Isaiah 43:1) and me to be bread and wine on His table and in His Kingdom.
Jesus understands our brokenness and trials. He knows the crushing existence of this life. He lived it. He knows grief. He experienced it. He knows pain. He endured it. Jesus knew we would endure these things and yet He still chose us. He has great things planned for us.
Don’t think for a moment if you are going through a period in your life where you feel crushed and bruised that God has abandoned you. God remains close to those who are broken (Psalm 34:18-19) and He will not allow any of us to endure more than we can (1 Corinthians 10:13). As I said, God has great things in store for each of us. He expects us to be fruitful in His Kingdom. He wants us to allow ourselves to be poured out and shared by others. He hopes that we will become part of His Heavenly banquet.
Knowing what God has in store for us, let’s try to keep the grinding process of life in perspective. If we live our life with love and kindness towards others who are also being crushed down by the world, we might just become their communion meal (Hebrews 6:10). Pray that they will come to taste the freshness, sweetness, love, mercy and compassion of Jesus in and through us.
Heavenly Father you know all about the pains and trials that we face each day. Give us courage to face the process of sharing in your Son’s cross. Father, like Jesus, please make my life food for others in need, amen.
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Brian, thank you so much for your message today. It was exactly what I needed to read. I’m going through a bit of a rough patch right now, and your words help me to deal with it and move forward.
Kathy
I am sorry to hear you are going through a difficult time, but I am glad today’s message spoke to you. I try my best to write the message that the Holy Spirit puts on my heart each week, so He gets all the credit.
I will say a prayer for you and ask everyone else who reads this post to do the same.
God is the master vintner and harvestor. He has you in His care.
Brian
Am grateful for this reflection which needs plenty of pondering. Thank you for your insights Brian. Your enthusiastic listener, Patty
Patty
Thank you for writing. I hope God reveals new insights for you as you ponder this topic. May God’s blessings be with you.
Brian