Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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God’s Expectation to Bear Fruit

Bible Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7

Key verse: “What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it” (Isaiah 5:4)

DEVOTION

Have you ever loved or cared deeply for someone, only to feel ignored, dismissed, or rejected in return? This could be a friend, a child, or a spouse. Maybe you invested your best into the relationship, hoping it would flourish, yet the outcome was unexpectedly painful.
In this context, Isaiah uses a love song to describe God’s relationship with His people and how His expectations were unmet despite His faithful care. He compares God to a vineyard owner who does everything possible for the vineyard to produce good fruit. The vineyard is depicted as His people specifically the people of Israel of whom God cared so much. 
Like us—when we buy a home, a vehicle, or start a family—we invest with hope, dreams, and expectations. We work hard, believing our efforts will bear fruit. But when the results are disappointing, we naturally wonder what went wrong. After putting in so much money and time, imagine the distress when you realize the house wasn’t constructed well, or that your car isn’t functioning the way you had hoped for or that your child isn’t reciprocating the care and love as you had wished for or that your partner isn’t showing any interest in anything you do for the person.
In this passage, God did everything to ensure His vineyard would yield sweet grapes, yet it produced only bad fruit. This was heartbreaking, leading to the vineyard’s destruction. God longed for justice and righteousness, but instead He found distress which led to judgement. Love also has the right to discipline. Let’s not take His love and patience and grace for granted.
So, what does God expect from us? In John 15:1, Jesus says He is the true vine and we are the branches. We can bear fruit only by remaining in Him. God desires transformed lives that show obedience, love, joy, kindness, and humility. To produce this fruit, we must stay in right relationship with Him. Though the world can distract and deceive, we must remain aware of God’s love and presence. Staying humble, dependent on Him, and focused on His purpose will keep us grounded. 

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us to be in your presence daily. Guard our thoughts, words and deeds so that we may not offend you. Teach us humility and guide us each day so that we could live up to your expectations. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16 verse 3)

Annie George
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Vancouver, Canada

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