Are We Sour Grapes?

Let me sing for my loved one a song about my loved one’s vineyard. My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile ridge. Isaiah 5:1 

This song which begins the fifth chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy is a song of the faithful remnant of Israel. They sing out extolling the grace of their Lord. Israel is the Lord’s vineyard, and the loved one is the Lord Himself. 

Notice in the verses which follow verse one how very much the loved one has taken care to make certain his vineyard would not just survive but actually thrive. He did not plant his vineyard just anywhere. He chose a fertile ridge where the cool breezes off the Mediterranean might temper his grapes. He scoured the acres removing the field stones so the roots of the vines could run deeply. He took care to only plant his best, chosen vines. He built a watch tower in the vineyard to protect it from invasion. Assuming the vineyard would be productive, he built a winepress for the coming crush. 

But the vines only produced sour grapes. They never produced a sugar content sufficient for them to produce grapes for wine. 

So are we to blame the vineyard owner for the quality of the grapes? Didn’t he do all he could to build a productive vineyard? Didn’t he select choice land? Didn't he go all out to prepare it for production? Wasn’t he selective in the vines he chose to plant? Didn’t he make efforts to protect his vineyard? What more could the vineyard owner have done? 

The believers among God’s people could sing this song with great joy. They could see the Lord’s hand in the history of Israel and Judah. He had birthed the nation through a miraculous promise given to Abraham. He had sustained Jacob’s family during famine by sending Joseph to Egypt. He had brought His people out of Egyptian bondage calling the unlikely man Moses to do so. He had led them into, through, and out of the wilderness. He subdued the people of Canaan for them. He sent judges to lead His people in triumph over His enemies. He sent prophets to lead HIs people back to Him. In love and mercy, what more could He do for them? 

And on top of all of this, He maintained His promise of the Messiah. 

But to the unbelieving of Israel and Judah, to those who needed to bend under His chastening rod, He was only met with disdain and accusation. To them, it was as if the disciplining rod they faced was a curse and not a blessing. Their focus was not on the Messiah to come, but on God’s correction of them for their rebellion. They were the vines that always produced sour grapes. 

May we be grapes of sweet and satisfying flavor to our God. May we rightly expect that He will discipline us for our good and not to curse us. May we grow daily as we turn to Him in repentance. May we trust His promise that He works all things, even correction, for our good. And most of all, may we center our lives on the promises of forgiveness and new life we have in Christ Jesus. Blessings.

Frank Van Brocklin 

Principal Teacher: 

The following events are coming up in the near future for Immanuel Lutheran School: ❖ On Friday, October 6, the students and faculty of ILS will be attending the Medford Homecoming Parade. We will walk from school down to the parade. 

❖ On Tuesday, October 10, students will have their annual eyes and ears check at school. ❖ On Tuesday, October 10, the School Board will meet at 6:00 PM. 

❖ On Saturday, October 14, the ILS volleyball team will participate in the NLHS Volleyball Tournament. 

❖ On Saturday, October 14, Medford Public School will be holding their annual child development expo. ILS and LLAM will have a table at the expo.