Today's subject is the Lord's statement about the nation of Judah, which became something He didn't plan. Remember: Israel, then Judah, was Heaven's plan to serve as a model of who we would be. Anyone who falls short of the heavenly standard must quickly straighten out their way of life, so that praise and not condemnation may come from God's mouth. His purpose for us has not and will not change. On the other hand, those who indulge in evil will be excluded (Psalm 1.5,6).

God said that he had planted Jacob's descendants as a noble vine, something that the world would rejoice to see. The Israelites would be the firstborn among billions of people (Exodus 4:22), over whom Hell would not succeed in tempting. But incredible as it may seem, this was not fulfilled, because they gave in to sin like the rest of the nations. Instead of being seen as the Lord intended, they lowered themselves and became sinners.

There was no mistake in positioning their lives in the Kingdom of God. With the Master's care, the Most High planted them as the best vine on Earth, but their moral weakness and desire to transgress led them to the height of folly. As a result, they began to act like those used by demons in the lust of their sins. Many people act like that today. But no child of God, saved by the blood of Christ, should practice such aberrations!

The Almighty was pleased with Abraham, Isaac and then with the man who wrestled with Him all night and prevailed: Jacob (Genesis 32.24-28). God examined the seed to be used to carry out His marvelous work, removing the inhabitants of Canaan - who were used to committing terrible sins contrary to the Lord's holiness - and giving the land to Israel’s descendants. These were the thoroughly faithful seed, but they became wicked!

Now, the Lord was astonished at the production of that seed: His people gave in to the evil one and became a degenerate plant. The children of Israel became an embarrassment to God. This applies to many today. Look at how far the descendants of Jacob and the other patriarchs have come. Because of this, the Lord saw that they were no good. He had a dream about them, but it was dashed. What does the Father say about you? Pray!

For a long time, God chose the one among the nations who would be a good vine. At first, He planted it among the best and placed it in Canaan, but instead of bearing good fruit, it produced bad fruit. The Lord spoke of it: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29.11). Watch and pray in order not to sin!

It is important to know what God thinks of us. Anyone who is evil in His eyes will not enter His kingdom of righteousness and holiness. Now, we must give Him the joy of seeing us doing the right thing, committed to His Word. He expects this of each one of us. Shall we examine ourselves and improve our fruits?

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares