Worship at Home - By David Godfrey

Middlesbrough and Eston Circuit - Sunday 8th October 2023

Hymn  StF 677, H&P 485 – ’Christ is made the sure foundation’

Merciful God, we live in a world that is full of selfishness, division and greed. Sometimes we get so swept up in cynicism that we lose our way. Sometimes we celebrate the things that divide us while ignoring foundational things that we have in common with one another. Forgive our self centred attitudes. Forgive our desire to be selfish and have our own way. Forgive our acquiescence to injustice and violence. Help us to see your guiding words and teaching that we may walk the path of life rather than the path of death. Amen.

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen. Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 5:1-7

Planting a garden on new ground is a process that begins long before a seed is ever placed in the earth. First the garden must be planned, with beds marked out and rubble cleared away. Then the soil must be dug and improved with manure to feed the plants. The soil is tilled and seed beds prepared. Only then will the seed be introduced to the earth. The work continues with weeding, watering and watching for pests. Only with great investment of time and labour will the reward of strong growth and good fruit appear.

Our Old Testament reading from Isaiah takes the form of a poem, not quite to a gardener, but to a vine grower. Here is one who prepares the ground, plants the vineyard and tends to it with loving care. He does everything right and expects good fruit, however, the harvest he reaps is one of bitter or rotten grapes.

It is a sad poem which quickly moves into accusatory mode. It is as if the scene is switched to a courtroom. He accuses the vines of betrayal. By this point in the poem, the ancient residents of Israel and Judah would be fidgeting uncomfortably in their seats, because they would have cottoned on to the truth, that this poem is about them. God’s people were likened to a vineyard quite often in Scripture, both in the Old Testament and in the New. God accuses them of ignoring their covenant relationship with him. Also they have failed to exercise justice in the land, the rich have trampled the poor and everyone is out for themselves.

There is a certain contemporary feel to this poem. The accusations may equally apply to UK politics and wider society. Our Methodist social conscience should be on full alert after reading these words from Isaiah. The remedy however is based on the simple truth that just as the vine grower cared for the vines, then so God cares deeply for us. He loves us and calls us to live lives of love. If the problem is corruption and injustice, then we are called to live honestly and justly ourselves. If the problem is that we trample on the needs of the poor then the remedy is to treat the poor fairly and with respect. And if we have forgotten God then it is time we renewed that age old covenant relationship with him. A relationship based on love, which enables his kingdom to grow in the world.

Lord of the vineyard, we are rooted and grounded in you, help us and your church to bear the fruits of love and justice, mercy and peace. Tend the vine you have planted and keep us abiding in you. We pray for the leaders and nations of the world knowing that you expect them to produce the wine of justice and peace. Raise up leaders who will govern so that all may flourish. May they defend those who are vulnerable and weak. We pray for those who are sick and suffering at this time. Revive them with the assurance of your loving presence. Quench their thirst for wholeness and healing and bring them and us to declare your glory. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. Our Father…

Blessing

May the Lord of the vineyard, strengthen, comfort and restore you. May his Holy Spirit keep you steadfast on your way, bringing you at last to victory by the power of him who loved us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.