Wednesday · 2026-09-16

The Lord laments His wayward vineyard and commissions Isaiah to prophesy of impending judgment and future hope.

Scripture Reading:

• Isaiah 5: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/5?lang=eng
• Isaiah 6: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/6?lang=eng

Context:

In Isaiah 5, the prophet delivers the "Song of the Vineyard," a parable where the Lord describes His beloved vineyard (Israel) and the great care He took to cultivate it, only for it to bring forth wild grapes instead of good fruit. This lament illustrates God's sorrow over the apostasy and wickedness of His covenant people and foreshadows their impending desolation and scattering as a consequence. Following this, Isaiah pronounces a series of "woes" upon those who commit various transgressions. Isaiah 6 then shifts focus dramatically, recounting Isaiah's profound vision of the Lord in the temple, where his sins are purged, and he is called to be a prophet to a rebellious people, even knowing they would largely reject his message.

Reflective Questions:

1. Considering the parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5, what "wild grapes" might the Lord see in our lives or in society today, and how can we cultivate "good fruit" through our covenant keeping?
2. Isaiah's call in chapter 6 came after an experience of spiritual cleansing. How might seeking personal cleansing and forgiveness prepare us to more readily hear and respond to the Lord's call to serve?

Closing Tying Insight:

Isaiah 5 and 6 present a powerful contrast: the Lord's sorrow over His people's failure to live up to their covenants, and His enduring readiness to cleanse and commission His servants. Though the covenant people of Isaiah's day had strayed, resulting in prophecies of judgment, the Lord nonetheless extended a call to His prophet, offering purification and a divine commission. This highlights that despite our imperfections or the challenges around us, the Lord is always willing to cleanse those who seek Him and empower them to serve His purposes. Today, let us focus on actively seeking personal purification through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, making us ready vessels to answer His call to build His kingdom and bring forth good fruit.