Years ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing Provence in the Fall, at the culmination of the grape harvest and the release of the newest vintage of wine. Everywhere, in every small village there was an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation about the “new wine,” which felt very much like waiting for Christmas. Brightly colored posters plastered every storefront, advertising the “new wine”. There was a buzz in the air, in the marketplace, among a wide variety of experts, who speculated about the characteristics of the new vintage. No one seemed to know exactly when the wine would be released. Finally in late October, the wait was over, and the new wine came onto the market. It flowed with exuberance in every bistro. Reserved Europeans who normally spoke in hushed voices amongst themselves were now leaning over, from table to table, engaging their neighbor. “Have you tasted the new wine?” was the only proper way to start any conversation.
At the time, I was a little confused because I had been taught to think old wine was better than new wine. Older vintages were more elegant and mature than their braggart adolescents. What I learned was the new wine was made to be consumed immediately. It was a wine for the present moment. It was a wine for the people, in which every hardworking Provençal would have the pleasure of drinking the fruit of their labors. (For all Provençaux are in the wine business at some level.) It was a source of community celebration and joy.
In conjunction with this perfectly lovely memory, I can see why Jesus used wine as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God (Luke 5:37). Think about the above scene in context with the history of God’s people– all the people are anxiously awaiting the coming of the Messiah, the one who will make all things new and right and good. There is a buzz in the air, according to the Prophets, that the time is near, but no one knows exactly when the Messiah will arrive. The old and young speculate what the new Kingdom will be like. Anticipation and hope are thick in the air. Finally, the day arrives, just like Christmas morning, and the new Kingdom is released into the world. First with the coming of Jesus, and then the coming of the Spirit. Instead of a fussy label and an extravagant price tag, available at only the finest restaurants, new life under the new King will be for everyone, regardless of rank or status. Life in the Spirit will flow freely and be poured generously so all are satisfied. Joy and celebration will be the hallmark of the new way, in the new kingdom. And the only question on the lips of the people will be, “Have you tasted the new wine?”
I am thinking of another seasonal celebration – the Feast of Pentecost. It was the great culmination, the grand finale, of a seven week-long Jewish celebration of the spring harvest (seven weeks!) It was on this day that the Lord poured out his Spirit upon his people in 1st century Jerusalem. On that day, all kinds of people from all kinds of nations and tribes were gathered together to celebrate. And the Spirit of God came upon them all and filled them equally. Instead of strife, there was joy. Instead of divergence, there was unity. Instead of argument, there was amazement. Old and young, men and women, slaves and free, Jews and Arabs. Neighbor talked to neighbor, reaching across tabletops, sharing what they had. There certainly was a buzz in the air. They all spoke in such a way about the wonders of God that others thought they were drunk. But Peter assured them, this was not the wine. (It was only 9:00 in the morning!) It was the Spirit – a new kind of wine. It was for everyone, regardless of distinction. It was to bring people together. It was meant to be enjoyed today.
Peter quoted the prophet Joel, who quoted God… “I will pour out my Spirit on all people”. Young men will have great visions, and old men will dream again. Mothers and their daughters will hear and speak intimately with God. They will all see the wonders of God in this world, with their very eyes. “And all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2: 17-21)
We are in the time of harvest now. The Spirit has been poured out. Have you tasted the new wine? Don’t you want just a little sip? We are being offered new vision, new dreams, an awakened Spirit in tune with God and ourselves and others. This is not like “old wine” that dulls our senses into complacency with the status quo, but something – indeed Someone – who awakes us to a new vibrancy, to new life. Have you tasted the new wine?
Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)