Grapes have been the object of symbolism for many generations. Their image has been utilized to show images of hope, joy and sorrow! The California Grape Growers in 1987 blitzed the airways with commercials showing dancing raisins, singing I heard it through the grapevine, in a massive attempt to keep the appreciation of grapes in front of the public.
What will the future hold for you? Will the grapes tell your story?
Those who achieve great successes in life are often pictured on sandy beaches eating grapes from bowls served by the beautiful and the handsome. Kings, queens, great personalities and achievers are all associated with an image of conspicuous consumption of grapes.
The children's story tells of the fox that tried anxiously to jump high enough to reach a bunch of grapes that was hanging over his head and when each of his leaps failed, he responded I didn't want them any way, they were probably sour.
To those who try and give up on their dreams the future might mean sour grapes. Paul L. Dunbar asks a question? What happens to a dream deferred, does it dry up like a Raisin in the Sun? Or, does it fester like a sore and run!
To those who have been frustrated in the achievement of their goals, success may appear to be a drying raisin in the sweltering heat of a careless world.
In biblical circles grapes have often been a sign of prosperity, especially since much of the lifestyle of the ancient Jewish community revolved around the grape and its by products.
Grapes came to represent fertile lands, prosperous times, and abundant living.
Those who know the Lord can make the best out of what grapes life might toss their way.
If they are the grapes of wrath, our Lord is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
Are they sour grapes of frustrated efforts? He can make sour grapes into fine sweet wine.
Are they dried grapes, representing hopes lost? He can make what appears to be a lost cause into a tasty raisin treat.
Are they fresh grapes? He can help us to enjoy the sweetness of life through his love!
In Jesus, it makes little difference what kind of grapes we get in our bowl of life, he will help us turn misfortune into opportunity, defeat into victory, and sorrow into joy.