Isaiah 5:7 says,
“For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts
is the house of Israel,
and the men of Judah
are his pleasant planting;
and he looked for justice,
but behold, bloodshed;
for righteousness,
but behold, an outcry!”
The well cared for vine was the people of Judah who were God’s delight. He, the Lord of armies who is powerful and mighty and merciful and just, gave them everything they needed to bear fruit for their good and His glory. They could have been a nation bearing and proclaiming His saving nature; His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. (See Galatians 5:22-23.)
But instead of justice, there was bloodshed! Instead of righteousness, there was a cry of distress. Something went terribly wrong. Rather than humbly relying on God, they were doing whatever seemed good to them; they wanted to be like the other nations. I think a footnote in the ESV Bible is so poignant, “…sin does not simply fail to reach a standard; it distorts good into evil.”
That theme can be seen today.
In third world countries some are hearing of Christ and receiving Him with open arms – actually asking why someone didn’t tell them about Him sooner. In first world countries, where God has given us everything we need to enjoy His ways and His wisdom, some are wanting to go their own way and give humans the glory for all that is good. Rather than asking why they haven’t heard the good news before now, they are asking to not be told again. They think they are gaining freedom, but they are creating a snare.
Lord, please give us revival that Your name would be known and honored in all nations.