Scripture

“No one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old wineskins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skin. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”

Observation

Jesus calls a tax collector named Matthew to come and be his disciple.

Matthew invites Jesus and the disciples to come to his house for dinner. He also invites other tax collectors and “sinners”. The Pharisees question why Jesus mixes with such people. Jesus tells them it is not healthy people who need a doctor but sick people.

The disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus why His disciples don’t fast. Jesus tells him that they are celebrating while the bridegroom is still with them. God is giving new wine and a new wineskin is necessary.

Application

God is pouring out his Spirit in new and powerful ways around the world.

The task of the church is to always be the new wineskin, ready to grow and move with the new move of God. We must be always adjusting our practises to what God is doing.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day failed to see this new thing that God was doing. They were obliterated by the expansive move of the Holy Spirit .

At various times, churches have been caught flatfooted by the Holy Spirit. New churches and denominations have arisen to be the new wineskin.

What is true of churches and denominations is also true of individual followers of Jesus. What He is doing with us today may not be what He does with us tomorrow. Our eyes need to be constantly towards Him.

Prayer

Lord, you are the new wine. Come and fill me with your presence and keep me flexible in following you. Amen.