Matt Richards
(Memory 2014)
Luke 20 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
Sometimes you have to go Back-to-the- Future. We cannot move forward until we honour and embrace the older generation.
We have dishonoured them and like vintage wine we have put them in the cellar thinking we have no need for them. But the Lord would say you've not been abandoned but preserved and this is the season for you to be uncorked, honoured and poured out. You are not for storage, you are not forgotten, you are for drinking. The seasons changed, this is vintage time.
Several years ago I had a vision and saw the church playing musical chairs. The music stopped, the chair was removed (you know the game) and everybody looked for a seat.
But sadly the chair that was removed was that of the older generation. I saw them lost wandering round looking for a place to sit and finding nowhere.
The place of prominence and influence and honor had been removed as 'we' in the vision had just become a youth orientated hip church.
Know this a church of a new wineskin puts back honor, puts the chair back of the older generation.
There should always be a seat for the elderly and not just a seat but a place of influence. Church should be a family flowing with all ages, and cultures.
I don't know who I'm talking to but, you are not for storage but to be poured out. He saved the best for last. You are not forgotten. It's your time. Vintage time.
Prayer:
Father we choose to honor those that went before us in war and those pioneers that went before us with the Gospel. Thank You for all the people that brought something of You to my life. I remember them today and honor them. Those that feel their time has passed bring them out of the cellar today and pour them out in Jesus' name amen.