From the Daily Dose Journal Series

New Wine

_{“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” ~ Mark 2:22}

In today’s passage, Jesus is questioned about fasting, and He explains that there will be a time for His disciples to fast, but that time has not yet come. He then uses the analogy of new wine and old wineskins to describe how to handle new things in life. The new wine, which represents the gospel message, must be poured into new wineskins, which are flexible and able to contain the expanding wine without bursting.

In our world today, we may not use wineskins, but the concept still applies. The message of the gospel has not changed, but the ways we share it have. We must pour the new wine into the new vessels of church today, whether that be social media, blogs, podcasts, or other modern platforms that can carry the message far and wide. Jesus’ comparison also extends to the next generation of leaders. We are called to invest in those who will continue the work we’ve started, passing on the gospel to them and empowering them to carry it forward.

This is also a reminder that the ministries of the next generation may look different from what we are used to, and that is okay. The message is timeless, but the carriers of the message will evolve with the times. Our part is to remain faithful in continuing the work of making disciples, adapting to new ways of reaching people, and always pointing others to the good news of salvation.

Here are some ways to get started:

1. Seek out new ways to share the gospel, whether that be through social media, writing, or speaking. Be open to using tools and platforms that may not have existed in the past but are effective today.
2. Invest in the next generation. Look for ways to mentor and disciple younger leaders who will carry the message of Jesus forward long after you’re gone.
3. Be open to change. Recognize that the ministries and outreach methods may change with time, but the message remains the same. Embrace the new ways God is moving, and remain adaptable to His leading.

I’ve had to remind myself at times that the gospel message, while unchanged, requires me to be adaptable in how I share it. I’ve seen how new platforms have helped me reach others in ways I never could have imagined. Whether through writing or simply sending a text message with an encouraging word, I’ve witnessed how God can use modern tools to spread His love. This is a privilege and a responsibility. Each time I feel uncertain about stepping into new methods of sharing the good news, I remember that the power is not in the vessel, but in the “wine” that is being poured out.

Today I want to encourage you to pour the “wine” of the good news into the vessels that you are called to. Whether it is people of the next generation or new platforms of video, social media or even text messages, trust that God will lead you to the right places and the right people. Seek out the platform He has set before you, but also pray for those coming after you, that they may be equipped with the right vessels to carry the message even further.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 2:18-22

18 The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 

20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. 

21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 

22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

Journal:

• What new methods or platforms is God calling you to use to share the gospel?
• How can you invest in the next generation of leaders?
• What changes in your ministry approach have you seen recently, and how can you embrace them while staying true to the message of Jesus?