In what ways can we "gather wine, summer fruit, and oil" spiritually? Setting the Scene—Jeremiah 40:10–12 “‘…gather wine, summer fruit, and oil, and store them in your jars…’” (Jeremiah 40:10). The remnant in Judah had just survived judgment. God called them to bring in the produce of the land before winter. Their obedience preserved life then, and it still speaks: we, too, are told to “gather” spiritual provisions while opportunity remains. Why Wine, Summer Fruit, and Oil? Each item carries a clear, literal meaning in Jeremiah’s day, yet Scripture consistently uses the same products to teach lasting, spiritual truths: • Wine – celebration, covenant fellowship, and inner joy (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:27-29). • Summer fruit – visible, tangible evidence of a healthy tree; the ripened harvest (Amos 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23). • Oil – the Spirit’s anointing, illumination, and healing (Exodus 30:25-30; 1 John 2:20; James 5:14-15). Gathering the New Wine of Joy and Communion • Abide in Christ (John 15:4-11). As we remain in the Vine, His joy “is in you and your joy may be complete.” • Celebrate the covenant at the Lord’s Table (1 Colossians 11:23-26). The cup reminds us of forgiveness and coming glory. • Offer continual praise (Hebrews 13:15). Thanksgiving keeps the vats of joy overflowing. • Serve others cheerfully (Acts 20:35). Shared generosity multiplies gladness. Gathering the Summer Fruit of Righteousness • Cultivate daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2-3). Roots in the Word produce ripe character. • Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-23). Love, peace, patience, and the rest come in their season. • Practice quick repentance (1 John 1:9). Pruning dead works makes room for healthy clusters. • Engage in discipling relationships (2 Titus 2:2). Fruit reproduces; help others ripen. • Speak the gospel while it is “summer” (John 4:35-36). Souls are the sweetest harvest. Gathering the Oil of the Spirit’s Anointing • Ask to be filled continually (Ephesians 5:18). Fresh oil prevents yesterday’s residue from hardening. • Guard purity (Matthew 25:1-13). The wise virgins kept extra oil; holiness preserves the flame. • Embrace healing and intercession (James 5:14-16). Anointing oil represents divine power meeting human need. • Use your gifts in humble service (1 Colossians 12:4-7). Oil was poured on priests and kings—every believer now shares that calling (1 Peter 2:9). • Keep fellowship vibrant (1 John 1:7). Friction in the body is eased when the Spirit’s oil is plentiful. Keeping the Storehouse Full • Review often: Examine your “jars” of wine, fruit, and oil; refill where levels are low (2 Colossians 13:5). • Guard against spoilage: Bitterness sours wine (Hebrews 12:15), neglect withers fruit (Proverbs 24:30-34), and compromise quenches oil (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Share the surplus: Generosity ensures nothing is hoarded and everything is refreshed (Proverbs 11:24-25). God’s call through Jeremiah echoes today: gather while the fields are open, stock the heart’s storehouse, and be ready for any season—because plenty in the Spirit now means endurance and witness later. |
    |