What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes?” vs. 4
Isaiah 5:1-7
Isaiah’s love song on behalf of the Lord in chapter 5 has a country western quality to it. The lyrics speak of unrequited love, the devotion of the beloved as he pours all of his energy in constructing the finest vineyard imaginable, and the devastating disappointment which follows. He had expected the finest wines, and instead had gotten wild grapes. The vineyard is of course Israel–the beloved nation, says Isaiah, has been a bitter disappointment to the Lord. We understand the power of that little word, “why.” Some have used it again and again as an expression of frustration and bewilderment. Why have my children, for whom I have spared no expense, and on whom I’ve lavished my unconditional love, proven to be such a disappointment? Why has my country, with all of its magnificent resources and amazing people, turned out to be a nation full of bitter and angry citizens? Why is my life such a mess when my expectations were so wholesome and good? Often such why questions lead to judgment, anger, and bitterness and asking them introduces us to a pit of despair from which there is no relief. In fact, Isaiah implies that the Lord’s why would mean the destruction of Israel–but that didn’t happen! Why not? Because the Lord never stops loving, and neither should we!
Thought for the Day: What triggers “why” questions for me?
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