Quick Summary:

Isaiah and Psalm 80 speak to the anguish of unfulfilled expectations in a relationship from opposite points of view. Life is complicated. And scripture allows for both perspectives without censoring either one. But how do we come to terms with the ending of the Isaiah text?
The walls are broken down & all care is withdrawn, leaving the vineyard utterly desolate. It begs the question: Could God actually give up on us and walk away?

Most often, when were confronted with a text like this, we look to the gospel reading to provide GOOD NEWS, but that’s not happening today, as Jesus gives wanna-be followers a heavy dose of tough medicine about the steep cost of discipleship.

Enter the letter to the Hebrews, in which we hear how one generation after another has clung to faith in the face of unbelievable adversity. Our viewpoint is limited. But there are moments when the fog lifts and suddenly we have a view—a glimpse—toward that “better country” to which Christ, in his faithfulness to us—is leading.
That’s where Hebrews takes us this morning.