Isa 5:1-7; Ps 79(80); Phil 4:6-9; Matt 21:33-43
First Isaiah was writing before 700 BC, when Assyria threatened and eventually overwhelmed Israel, the northern kingdom. Isaiah insists that only being faithful to God will protect the nation from disaster. The unproductive vineyard is the house of Israel, where, in spite of the care lavished on it by the Lord, there is bloodshed and injustice.
The psalm beseeches the Lord to protect his vine, Israel. Transplanted from Egypt, it has been severely damaged, but Israel promises not to forsake the Lord again.
In his affectionate farewell to the Philippians, Paul urges them to “rejoice in the Lord always”, not anxious, but thinking about all that is good, letting the Lord know all their needs. They should imitate Paul in the way he relies on the Lord. Then God’s grace will bring them peace. Our God is the God of peace. He not seeking to catch us out, but longs for us to accept the peace he offers and to rely on him totally.
This parable in Matthew’s Gospel about a vineyard owner follows immediately after last week’s story of the two sons. Matthew has brought Isaiah’s tale up to date with the murder of the prophets and even the Lord’s son. As with Isaiah’s prophecy, Israel would again be devastated, in AD70.
Psalm Response: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Isa 5:1-7; Ps 79(80); Phil 4:6-9; Matt 21:33-43
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