Tending The Crops

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 5, it starts out with someone building a great vineyard.  For the vineyard, you use the best soil, protect it from savage elements and other violent threats, you clear away all of the stones and tend to it the best of your ability.  Then, what does it produce?  Worthless grapes.  You expect the best, but get the worst.

What do you do?

For much of this chapter, the vineyard is like the land of Israel.  God tended to Israel like one would the vineyard.  But instead of the best, He got lawlessness and debauchery.  People became greedy by snatching up large patches of land for themselves, not sharing with others so everyone can have a piece of paradise.

Then, by verse 11, you see people who drink to get drunk, either early in the morning or late at night.  Or both.  The evils of vast consumptions of alcohol drives for evil to exist.

So much in these verses I see today in today's world.  Evil is celebrated.  The wicked are found not guilty or are celebrated as heroes.

By verse 26, the lands of Israel lift up a flag of distress and lands from far away come to their aid.  This is so reminiscent of what is happening in today's world.

Read this chapter many times and reflect, asking God to help you understand the message and what His plans are for you.