Returning to reality - 6 April 2009 |
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In his wonderful commentary on Isaiah, Barry Webb observes that the ‘new song of the vineyard’ in 27:2-6 ‘must be read in the light of the earlier song of the vineyard in 5:1-7′ (p. 112). The second song contrasts with the first at various points: there is now ‘fruit’ where previously there had been only ‘wild grapes’, rain where there had been none, protection where previously the hedges had been removed. But perhaps most strikingly:
The world will no longer invade the vineyard; the vineyard will invade the world … Here at last will be the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. (p. 113).
Membership of the international people ‘people of God’ comes with ‘the acknowledgement that salvation is found nowhere else than in the God is Israel (45:22)’, as we bow in worship before him (p. 115).
Such worship is not an escape from reality but a return to it, and it is in returning to reality that the world, so long out of joint, will finally be made whole (66:22-23). (p. 115)
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Bible, Books, Minister's Blog, The Message of Isaiah