LEAVES ARE NOT ENOUGH?

It isn’t always easy to appreciate poetic writings when they are translated, but the wonderful creative imagery here is unmistakable, in any language! We can all picture the gardener, who is deeply loved by the poet and, as we read on, is clearly revealed to be God Himself. We see the care and hard work put into developing the vineyard. All the necessary resources are provided so that the vineyard’s purpose of growing wonderful grapes can be fulfilled. A vineyard is not there just to exist but to grow fruit the owner can use to provide food and drink. In spite of the gardener’s best efforts, however, this vineyard only produces bad, useless fruit. Nothing more can be done, so the only way forward is to get rid of the vineyard altogether: good grapes are clearly never going to be grown here!

Sometimes the meaning of poetic pictures is left for readers to work out for themselves, but Isaiah wants to be very sure that the people of Israel understand that he is talking about them. The fruit God asks them for is justice and righteousness, but they produce only bloodshed and despair. There is a clear challenge here for us. The New Testament leaves no doubt either of the fruit that we are supposed to be growing, or the fact that we can do that only if we remain attached to the vine – revealed as Jesus Himself – who can continuously provide us with the nourishment needed for us to bear fruit. Staying attached to the vine is essential, but it is not enough. Is my worship more about providing myself with the experience that I crave, or is it about providing fruit for other’s benefit? Do I care as much as God does about justice and righteousness?

What modifications could be made to your personal spiritual vineyard?