Isaiah - 16-19 What will we harvest?

     Sometimes it is really hard to read Isaiah. Although the words of Isaiah are sprinkled with hope, the first 39 chapters are filled with judgment, failure, and sadness. As I read chapters 16-19 today, I was filled with sadness and it made me think of the state of our world and particularly our country. I love our nation. We have done so many good things. We have taken bold steps to eliminate slavery. We have taken a stand for the equality of all people. Yet, I can't help but sense our doom as I read about Moab, Damascus, Israel, and Ethiopia. Isaiah 17:10-11 could have been written about us:

                "... you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you. So you may plant the finest grapevines and import the most expensive seedlings. They may sprout on the day you set them out; yes, they may blossom on the very morning you plant them, but you will never pick any grapes from them. You only harvest will be a load of grief and unrelieved pain." (Isaiah 17:10-11, NLT) 

    I long for the time we will look to our Creator and turn our eyes to the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 17:7)

Unfortunately, as a nation, it is not today. 

Please Lord we want to plant seeds within our nation. We want to see your word spread to our families, our work, our schools, our communities, our state, and our nation. We want to harvest the beautiful crop of grapes instead of a load of grief and unrelieved pain. It is up to us Lord, it is up to your adopted children to spread the life-saving mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Fill us with your boldness to share this message of hope in the midst of chaos and turmoil. Give us the places to go, the words to say, and the actions that will share your love. Help us to do what is always just and fill us with the eagerness to do what is right. (Isaiah 16:5) Amen!

Will we harvest grief and pain or will we harvest souls for the Kingdom?