Good or Bad Fruit

O. T. #1569  "Good or Bad Fruit"
Nov. 19, 2019
Isaiah 5

LET IT GLOW

This chapter begins with a parable, where the vineyard is a symbol of the nation of Israel and the beloved one is the Lord Himself. How is the vineyard managed?

• The land was cleared of rocks and the vineyard was planted in fertile soil.
• A watchtower was built in the middle, to watch for the animals that would eat the grapes.
• Sweet grapes were expected because of the care given.

God had prepared Israel to bring forth fruit unto Himself and yet she has only brought forth the wild grapes of sin. Therefore, God denounces it with judgment to come, indicating the coming Babylonian captivity. (Falwell)

God's chosen nation was expected to bear good fruit, but instead, the fruit was bad. So are we as Christians.
In Matthew 7:20, Jesus said, You'll recognize them by their fruit.
In Matthew 15:5, Jesus said, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.

Have we examined our own fruit lately? Is it good or bad, useful or wild? Are we trying to produce good fruit without Jesus? Are our works the activities which He wants us to do, by His leading?

LET IT GROW

Did you notice 6 woes, sins that God condemns? They are:

1. exploiting others (verses 8-10), as the greedy land grabbers acquired adjoining land, resulting in huge estates and houses;
2. drunkenness (verses 11-12), at strong drinking parties they disregarded the deeds of the Lord;
3. taking pride in sin (verses 18-19), parading their sin in front of God as pulling a cart rope;
4. confusing moral standards (verse 20);
5. being conceited (verse 21), with pride of self-wisdom and self-determination;
6. perverting justice (verses 22-24), while in their drunken state they justified their wickedness.

[Resources: Life Application Study Bible, Liberty Bible Commentary]

Since these things were not corrected, Israel would experience God's wrath and judgment. His anger and stretched out hand would accomplish it.
Does this sound like the condition of some within our nation?
Are we lifting up the standards which God has established for HIs children?

LET IT GO

Jesus, without You I can do nothing.
Lead me in Your will.