Contemplative Bible Reading

Isaiah 5:7 (New Living Translation)

The nation of Israel is the vineyard of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
The people of Judah are his pleasant garden.
He expected a crop of justice,
but instead he found oppression.
He expected to find righteousness,
but instead he heard cries of violence.

Wonderful poetry here. The content is discouraging, though.

The poetic prophet sees Judah as the vineyard of the LORD with a wonderful crop expected. Reality, however, is not pleasant.

God wanted justice and righteousness – right and fair lives. The opposite occurred. Was God cruel to His people in His expectations? He wanted them to be different from the nations around them. He wanted His people to show the world His character – just, right, loving.

I think God wants the same of the Christ follower today. Show everyone the love, justice, and compassion of Jesus. Sometimes we do okay with this, sometimes not so good.