Isaiah 27:2–13 ‘Sing about a fruitful vineyard: I, the LORD, watch over it…’ (vv.2–3)
Whereas in Isaiah chapters 5 and 17 the Lord wanted to destroy His vineyard, here we see a different picture. He will rescue His vines, tending them gently; He’ll water and guard them continually.
We understand that His anger was for purification and the removal of idols: ‘the full fruit of the removal of his sin’ (v.9).
The altars to the false gods will be smashed and the Asherah poles that brought God grief will no longer stand.
What might a modern-day idol look like? A woman on a website discussing this subject confessed that she had made her grandchildren an idol, for when she didn’t get to see them during the school holidays she would react harshly to her daughter.
When she repented, her relationship with her daughter improved immediately. Another idol might concern our physical surroundings.
We might so seek comfort that we become closed to opening our homes to others for hospitality or for building community.
Or we so prize tidiness that we lash out at those with whom we share our homes if, for instance, they get the kitchen dirty a half-hour after it’s been cleaned.
Perhaps the most damaging of idols are those related to self- autonomy. When we take our eyes off God and instead look to our own efforts to ‘shape our destiny’, we lose sight of God’s desire that His children maintain humble and contrite hearts.
He wants us to acknowledge that He waters our vineyards as He sings over us with everlasting songs of love.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Heavenly Father, we are sorry when we turn from You, our first love, in idolatry. Please help us to repent and be free to return to You. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Look back over the past week or month and ask God to show you if you’ve fallen into idolatry. If He brings something to mind, confess it and ask for His help.
Scripture To Consider:
Isa. 45:20–21; Jonah 2:8–9; 1 Cor. 10:1–9; 1 John 5:18–21
