Poetry - Chapter 5

Isaiah 5:12-13a

"They have a lyre and harp,

tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts,

but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD,

or see the work of his hands.

Therefore me people go into exile

for lack of knowledge..."

Isaiah 5 is a long poem that begins with a vineyard that God is tending. He has worked long and hard hours in the vineyard. Caring for even it's smallest needs, but when God looked for it to yield it's fruit, it didn't. "What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done it it?" was His cry.

We reap the rewards of our hard labor, or our neglect of it. Israel's behavior was destructive and God wasn't pleased with them. After everything He'd done for them. He cared and toiled over Israel for their benefit so they would yield Him much fruit, yet they turned wild. So now other lands and people are coming with weapons drawn and battle plans set.

I don't know about you, but this hits a little too close to home for me. God has protected me and guided me my entire life. Be it through people He placed around me, or His whispers in my heart and strength in my soul. Yet so often, I disregard Him. I don't care to see how well He's taken care of me; how tender He's been. Instead, I go my own way and do my own thing.

This chapter was a good reminder for me to give thanks to God is all circumstances and to relish in His presence rather than running from it.