The final words of Isaiah's famous parable of the vineyard will be repeated by the Lord shortly before His Passion. For us it is important first of all to hear the direct meaning of this parable. After all, what applies to Old Testament Israel is no less relevant for...
The final words of Isaiah's famous parable of the vineyard will be repeated by the Lord shortly before His Passion. For us it is important first of all to hear the direct meaning of this parable. After all, what applies to Old Testament Israel is no less relevant for the new Israel - the Church, the Christian people. More than that, at the very beginning of the Bible the whole world appears before us as God's garden. Therefore the parable of the vineyard, like the story of Adam's fall, is a summary that concerns the whole human race.
The Lord says His people are a vineyard planted by Him to bear fruit. Not as a museum of unearthly beauty, not as a pedestal of honor, not as an inn for weary travelers - but as a garden that must bear fruit. The prophet Isaiah speaks of spiritual fruit that all of us can bear in real, practical life. This is not about mystical illuminations or accomplishments in the sphere of worship. The main thing the Lord expects from us is justice, righteousness toward our neighbors. The apostle Paul, in Galatians, gives a broader explanation of what the fruit expected by God is: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." This is the righteousness the Lord expects from us. And if we do not bear this fruit, then this choice of ours will lead to what Christ said to the Jews: "Behold, your house is left to you desolate."
But the prophet, like the Lord, speaks not to predict disasters for us. God always wants our repentance and turning. That is why it is important for us not to be afraid to hear this rebuke and to trust God's promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.
5 Israel, God's vineyard, his mercies, and their faithfulness, should be laid waste, Isa 5:1-7.
Judgments upon covetousness, Isa 5:8-10.
Upon drunkards, and the lascivious, Isa 5:11-12.
The great misery of the Jews, Isa 5:13-17.
Judgments on impiety, scoffers at God's threatnings, those who corrupt the notions of good and ill, strong - drinkers, and unjust judges, Isa 5:18-23.
God's anger, and the Chaldeans army against them, Isa 5:24-30.
5:7 Pleasant - In whom God formerly delighted. A cry - From the oppressed, crying to men for help, and to God for vengeance.