Bruce's Blessing
Preparing for a New Day- Song of the Vineyard
Dear Church Family and Friends,
A modern-day vineyard is a beautiful and impressive sight to see. Row after row of healthy vines planted on hundreds of acres of prime real estate. State of the art production facilities strategically located along with picturesque buildings and gardens. Stately courtyards are arranged so visitors can savor the taste of the precious vintage wines that are crafted and bottled for sale.
But what would happen to this wonderful vineyard if the wine produced tasted dreadful, bitter and stale? It wouldn’t be in business for very long. The vineyard would either be sold at “pennies on the dollar” or abandoned to waste away.
Well, a similar picture is described in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 5. The audience is the nation of Judah 2,700 years ago. The vineyard represents the nation of Judah. The dreadful, bitter and stale grapes symbolize the people. It is a parable that depicts a nation that was successful and prosperous. One could even say the nation was “fruitful” from a worldly standpoint…except for the fact that it was actually morally bankrupt.
“But, I don't understand,” you may be thinking. Why would the prophet Isaiah say such convicting words to his own people? Well, this Sunday will provide an answer. Let me say this for starters: God is more concerned with our character than our comfort.
Love and prayers,
Pastor Bruce
Dear Church Family and Friends,
A modern-day vineyard is a beautiful and impressive sight to see. Row after row of healthy vines planted on hundreds of acres of prime real estate. State of the art production facilities strategically located along with picturesque buildings and gardens. Stately courtyards are arranged so visitors can savor the taste of the precious vintage wines that are crafted and bottled for sale.
But what would happen to this wonderful vineyard if the wine produced tasted dreadful, bitter and stale? It wouldn’t be in business for very long. The vineyard would either be sold at “pennies on the dollar” or abandoned to waste away.
Well, a similar picture is described in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 5. The audience is the nation of Judah 2,700 years ago. The vineyard represents the nation of Judah. The dreadful, bitter and stale grapes symbolize the people. It is a parable that depicts a nation that was successful and prosperous. One could even say the nation was “fruitful” from a worldly standpoint…except for the fact that it was actually morally bankrupt.
“But, I don't understand,” you may be thinking. Why would the prophet Isaiah say such convicting words to his own people? Well, this Sunday will provide an answer. Let me say this for starters: God is more concerned with our character than our comfort.
Love and prayers,
Pastor Bruce
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