Wine is a product of fruit fermentation, but it is a symbolism of joy, merriment, and celebration. In the Old Testament, wine was used as a drink offering unto the Lord. *“And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the Lord”* (Num. 15:7).
The organoleptic qualities of new wine are characterized by freshness of aroma, radiant colour, great flavour and irresistible taste. In food production industry, there is a serious emphasis on the use of clean, compatible, and compact material for food packaging. This is to prevent cross-contamination, retain wholesomeness and ensure good quality shelf-life of food products. Jesus Christ, while answering the question asked by the disciples of John the Baptist, said: *“Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved”* (Matt. 9:17). Why will an old bottle break if new wine is put into it? This is because an old bottle that is feeble, may not be able to withstand the pressure arising from the gas build up generated by the new wine. The above scripture is a vivid spiritual analogy of a believer, who wants a new status. Every child of God is the new wine, because the Bible says *“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”* (2 Cor. 5:17). If you are a true born again child of God, everything about you should be new. Your way of life is likened to a bottle which is also expected to be new to be able to receive new wine. Beloved, in this new year, you cannot live your life the old way! Don’t put your life at risk by living recklessly this year. Don’t make your life fragile and vulnerable to the attacks of the devil. This is a clarion call to living a life of sanctification, separation, consecration, and dedication unto the Lord. The danger of putting new wine into an old bottle is that both the content and its container would be a waste. The bottle will break and its content will spill. What a double tragedy!
Friend, new wine is free from sediments and contaminants. In the journey of 2024, I implore you to live a life of holiness and righteousness. I encourage you to stand for God, regardless of the prevailing conditions. God bless you real good. SHALOM
