Psalm 118:19-24, Isaiah 5:1-25, 1 Peter 2:1-12 - Lectionary for 11/29/11 - Commemoration of Noah

Today is the Commemoration of Noah. Today's readings are Psalm 118:19-24, Isaiah 5:1-25, and 1 Peter 2:1-12. Today we read Isaiah's parable of a vineyard. See how in this parable the walls are built to keep intruders out. They are walls which create safety and peace inside, an environment where the vines can grow and the grapes thrive. What happens when God's people choose to run their own ways, making up their own ideas of right and wrong? God breaks down the wall with which he has been protecting them. He allows all manner of evil to come upon his people whom he leaves unprotected. But there's more to the story than that. He has not left his people unprotected. He is still there. Wherever we call upon him in faith he builds that wall of protection, guarding us against every destructive force. Wherever we look to him for provision we find that he is there meeting our every need. Our Lord has built a vineyard. May we grow and flourish there, trusting in him rather than in ourselves.