Now I will sing for the one I love
a song about his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard
on a rich and fertile hill.
He plowed the land, cleared its stones,
and planted it with the best vines.
In the middle he built a watchtower
and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks.
Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes,
but the grapes that grew were bitter.
Now, you people of Jerusalem and Judah,
you judge between me and my vineyard.
What more could I have done for my vineyard
that I have not already done?
When I expected sweet grapes,
why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes?
–Isaiah 5:1-4 (italics added)
There’s been a major construction project going on outside my apartment since I moved here. Weeks were spent digging and pouring concrete for a foundation. Slowly but surely, a large building has emerged. I could not imagine all of the costs that go into such a project. One thing I do know—a great investment was made because they are expecting great returns. Imagine the investors’ disappointment if no one wanted to rent or buy these condominiums!
Isaiah describes something similar. The vineyard was used as an analogy to describe the costly investment God had made: premium land, removal of the stones, the best vines, a watchtower, and a wine press. These were perfect conditions for delicious fruit, yet the vineyard produced “bitter grapes.”
The vineyard, of course, represents God’s people. He had done so much for them—delivered them from Egyptian slavery, defeated their enemies, and gave them a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Despite all that God had done, His people forgot Him and no longer served him (“bitter grapes”).
God’s question was simple: what more could I have done for you? I believe this question is relevant for us here and now. Have you considered what God has done for you? Think of all the resources that God has made available to you (a printed Bible in a language you can understand, churches, pastors, Christian books, Bible study materials, online devotionals, etc). We have resources that previous generations could only dream of! We have no excuse to be spiritually stagnant or unfruitful.
It is true that God loves His children, however imperfect we are. The Bible clearly teaches, however, that God is disappointed with us if we are not fruitful. God is disappointed with you if you are not growing spiritually and are not using your talents/gifts to serve Him. What else can He do for you? It is time for you to take responsibility and make good use of what He has already given you.
Amen! agree ako jan. mahirap gawin but if one has the desire and knowledge on its rewards then determination is always there.
if ive been more appreciative about all the blessings that GOD had given me, maybe id be so thankfull that he is in my life…
kayalang, ewan ko.. i still feel that im being rejected by GOD. i didnt ask so many favors naman, but still walang nangyayari, until i finally lose hope and lose faith in prayers…
if GOD is doing something for me, bakit hindi ko maramdaman?
Dame,
Remember this verse:
Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
God has not rejected you, he has expressed His love in the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
this blog reminded me how great is God..in time for the Filipino Holy Week celebration. Thank you kuya kevin!
Very well said kuya Kevin.I know God gives all the best to all people, but most of the time we still not follow Him His commandments and sometimes we are selfish we did not share the word of God and we keep it for ourself.Thanks for this wonderful message you remind us and revive some sleeping christians.God bless youa nd more power.
One song crossed my mind while reading this: “I wonder have I done my best for Jesus…when He has done so much for me?” Thanks for the post!
This post = spot on, Kev.
=)
Thanks, John 🙂