Wild Grapes and Hot Banana Peppers
Isaiah 5:1-7
Isaiah 5:2 “And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted the choicest vine…and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.”
In Isaiah chapter 5 we have a parable of a vineyard. The vineyard represented the nation of Israel. The dresser of the vineyard took a lot of time and effort to raise some very prized grapes. He invested a lot of time and money to make sure the soul was prepared. He fenced it, he cleared the stones away and made sure the soil was perfect. He planted the best plants money could buy. He built a wine press to be ready at harvest time.
But when harvest time came, the product became an extreme disappointment. It says that the vines produced wild grapes. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to put some banana peppers out on my patio. I went to the nursery in town and found some beautiful looking plants and bought them, not looking at what type of banana peppers they were. I love a good sweet banana pepper with my sandwiches. All summer long, I babied them and took good care of them. Finally, the day came when one was ripe and ready to enjoy. Excitedly, I took it into the house, cut it up and took my first bite. Then, much to my surprise my mouth was set on fire. The beautiful peppers I bought were hot banana peppers instead of sweet. They were a huge disappointment.
The Lord invested a lot in His people, but at this point, they were a huge disappointment to him. The Lord has invested a lot in us as well. He gave His life for us. What kind of product is he getting from you? Is He delighted in it or is he disappointed with it. God, help us to be a delight and not a disappointment to thee, in Jesus name, Amen!