“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will spill out, and the skins will deteriorate. “But we must put new wine into fresh wineskins. “And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old seems good enough.'” Luke 5:37-39
Many elements contribute to a successful fermentation. I am realizing this with my homemade kimchi that I bottled last week. All of us are ‘bottled up’ in our homes in a type of ‘fermentation’. Depending on the process, the outcome can vary greatly. I realized this a few years ago when I opened a bottle of pure cherry juice which should have been refrigerated but was instead stored away in my pantry for months. While opening the bottle, an explosion occurred! The contents spilling everywhere – including the ceiling where the cap ricocheted off. Similarly, any fermentation happening in our hearts and souls could have varying outcomes.
Set Up
There must be a proper set up for fermentation to occur. Ingredients, reagents, containers, temperature and time are all factors. Many of us were not prepared for the massive ‘fermentation” happening in our lives the past months. We desire our old life back or at least the ‘major ingredients’ of our social interactions, conveniences and support systems. The new normal is that we will head back will likely have modifications. How should we anticipate this and begin setting up accordingly? That is the biggest question and one that all of us need actively respond as we prepare ourselves and our family. Though the only person who knows the best set up is God.
Storage
There is a parable in the Bible that might help us understand the importance of the dynamics in a fermentation process. A key part in this illustration is storage – ensuring that new wine is not placed in old wine skins. Jesus was trying to communicate this to His doubters and those being deceived. The Pharisees were trying to live their lives of holiness under an old law and Jesus was trying to bring the new law of liberty to them. They were more concerned at preserving the old and keeping it stored in a safe place. They did not realize a new thing was happening in their midst. Jesus came to be the new wine. His blood on the cross is the new covenant – a promise for eternal life. It is important for all of us to recognize this truth and store it up in the container of our soul.
Release
Another key element is timing for the fermentation to have its full effect. This fermentation process for many of us seems long enough. We may feel it is time to release and get the economy and life back to some semblance of normalcy. The release may be slow. The release may look different for each one of us. Jesus knew His timing to introduce this ‘new wine’ at the wedding feast and he also knew his timing of death and resurrection. He makes everything new in His timing. The key is to wait upon Him for restoration and healing of the land. Keep watch, pray and be prepared in your soul for His release into the world.
Fermentation
Set Up. Storage. Release.
What is ‘fermenting’ in your heart and home?
Food Note….
Fermentation is used for preservation in a process that produces lactic acid found in such sour foods as pickled cucumbers, kombucha, kimchi, and yogurt, as well as for producing alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer.