11.3 The Song of My Beloved
God’s Perfect Love and Justice

Read Isaiah 5:1–4. Who is speaking in these verses? Whom is Isaiah referring to? Who do the vineyard and the vineyard owner represent? What does the vineyard owner’s conduct mean for the vineyard? What is the outcome?

Isaiah 5:1–4 is a moving allegory about God’s relationship with His people. The vineyard owner is God, the vineyard represents His people, and the fruits stand for the spiritual results of their lives. God has done everything to make His vineyard flourish—He has tended it, protected it, and provided everything necessary for good growth. Yet instead of producing good grapes, the vineyard yields bad, rotten fruit.

This imagery powerfully demonstrates that God reveals His justice and love not only in the cosmic struggle but also in a very personal way in people’s lives. He gives them freedom, supplies them with everything they need, and continually invites them to bear good fruit—that is, to live in His truth and love. However, if people turn away from Him, the fault does not lie with God but with the decision of His people to distance themselves from Him.

The central question in Isaiah 5:4 is deeply moving: “What more could have been done for my vineyard that I have not done?” This question is addressed not only to Israel but to each one of us. God has done everything to show us the way to salvation—through His Word, His Spirit, and above all through the sacrifice of Jesus. If people still produce bad fruit, it is not due to a deficiency on God’s part, but to the individual’s own choice.

This passage teaches us two things:

1. God’s love is perfect and just – He does not impose Himself on anyone but lovingly invites them.

2. Our responsibility is real – What we do with the gifts and care God provides is up to us.

Ultimately, this text calls us to examine our own lives: What fruit do we bear? Are they good fruits that reflect God’s love—or are they bad fruits born of self-will and selfishness?

When one considers the cross, on which God offered Himself as a sacrifice for all our sins, how then do His words “What more could be done for my vineyard that I have not done?” take on an extraordinarily profound meaning?

The words “What more could be done for my vineyard that I have not done?” (Isaiah 5:4) gain deep and moving significance when contemplating the cross.

• God had already given His people everything—His love, His guidance, His commandments, His prophets. Yet the ultimate sign of His love was the cross of Jesus Christ. There, God definitively revealed that He withheld nothing, but gave Himself as a sacrifice to save humanity.

1. The Cross as the Highest Act of Love

   • Jesus, the Creator of the universe, voluntarily took on the penalty of sin (Romans 5:8).

   • He endured the worst suffering—not only physically but also spiritually, experiencing separation from the Father (Matthew 27:46).

   • He could have saved Himself, but He remained on the cross to save us.

When God asks in Isaiah what more He could have done, it shows the depth of His care. He not only created good conditions for His “vineyard” but also came to earth Himself to die for His creation. Is there a greater love than this?

2. The Urgency of the Decision

   • God’s question is not addressed solely to Israel but to each individual: “What more could I do?”

   • The cross is the irrefutable proof that God has given everything—now it is up to us to respond.

   • Anyone who rejects the sacrifice of Christ cannot claim that God did not do enough.

3. Our Personal Connection to the Cross

   • This question should make us reflect: What fruit do we produce in our lives?

   • The cross calls us to a decision: Do we accept God’s love, or do we remain barren?

   • If God was willing to give everything for us, are we then willing to give our lives to Him?

Conclusion
The cross answers the question from Isaiah 5:4 once and for all: God truly did everything possible to save us. There is no greater love, no greater dedication. Now it is up to us to respond—with faith, gratitude, and a life that produces good fruit.

The vineyard of God is not only a metaphor for the people of Israel but for every believer. God has provided us with everything needed for a fruitful spiritual life. But what do we do with this care?

1. Recognizing God’s Provision in Everyday Life

   • Each day is a new opportunity to use God’s gifts: His love, His Word, His Spirit.

   • Our lives should bear “good fruit”—that is, to live in love, justice, and truth (Galatians 5:22-23).

   • When we face difficulties, we must not think that God has abandoned us. He has already shown us the way—especially through the cross.

2. Taking Responsibility for Our Decisions

   • God does not impose Himself on anyone—we have the choice to accept or reject His love.

   • In everyday life, this means: Do we follow His will or our own?

   • Good fruit does not come by chance, but through an intimate connection with Christ (John 15:4-5).

3. The Cross as a Daily Decision

   • The sacrifice of Jesus was the ultimate proof of God’s love—how do we respond?

   • We must examine our hearts: Does our life bear fruit that honors God, or “rotten grapes” like selfishness, pride, and unbelief?

   • Every small decision matters—in our words, our behavior toward others, and in our trust in God’s guidance.

Conclusion
God has already done everything to show us the way to Him. Now it is up to us to respond. Our daily life is the soil in which our spiritual life grows—the question is: Do we bear good fruit, or do we let God’s care go unutilized?

The cross reminds us every day: God holds nothing back—shouldn’t we do the same?

God did everything to save us—now it is up to us to accept His love and bear fruit.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-what-more-could-i-have-done-11-3-the-song-of-my-beloved-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

March 11, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Peter Chapter 2

¹ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

² As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

³ If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

⁴ To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

⁵ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

⁶ Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

⁷ Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

⁸ And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

¹⁰ Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

¹³ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

¹⁴ Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

¹⁵ For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

¹⁶ As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

¹⁷ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

¹⁹ For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

²⁰ For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

²⁴ Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

²⁵ For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The second chapter of the First Epistle of Peter calls believers to become aware of their new identity as God’s people and to lead a holy life. Peter encourages Christians to rid themselves of malice and hypocrisy and to seek spiritual nourishment in order to grow in faith. Christ is described as the living cornerstone on which God’s spiritual house is built. Believers are part of a royal priesthood and are called to proclaim God’s glory through their lives.

Furthermore, Peter provides practical instructions on how Christians should conduct themselves in the world. They are to abstain from sinful desires, lead exemplary lives, and submit to governing authorities. Special emphasis is placed on following Christ’s example in suffering—his life teaches patience, humility, and trust in God’s righteous guidance.

Commentary

The Holiness of God’s New People (Verses 1-10)

• Christians are called to renounce all evil traits and seek spiritual nourishment (Verses 1-3).

• Christ is the cornerstone of God’s spiritual house; believers are living stones built upon it (Verses 4-5).

• The election of believers: They are a royal priesthood meant to bear witness to God’s glory (Verses 9-10).

Behavior in the World (Verses 11-17)

• Christians are strangers in this world and should abstain from sinful desires (Verse 11).

• An exemplary life should lead unbelievers to glorify God (Verse 12).

• Submission to governing authorities to fulfill God’s will and expose ignorance (Verses 13-17).

Instructions for Slaves and Christ’s Example (Verses 18-25)

• Slaves should respect their masters, even when treated unjustly (Verses 18-20).

• Christ’s suffering as an example: He endured suffering without retaliation and entrusted everything to the righteous Judge (Verses 21-23).

• Through his sacrifice, he has freed us from sin; he is the shepherd of our souls (Verses 24-25).

Summary

1 Peter 2 reveals that believers are part of a new spiritual house, built upon Christ, the living cornerstone. They are chosen, holy, and called to proclaim God’s virtues. However, this new life also carries responsibilities: believers must abstain from sin, lead exemplary lives, and submit to earthly authorities—not out of fear, but out of reverence for God.

Particularly striking is the encouragement to endure suffering for Christ’s sake with patience. Christ himself suffered without retaliating, leaving a perfect example for his followers. Through his sacrifice, we have been redeemed from sin and brought into a new relationship with God. Our lives should reflect this truth.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Spiritual growth in Christ is a central theme of the Christian life. Chapter 8 describes this growth using natural imagery such as birth, plants, and light, to illustrate how a believer matures in relationship with Christ. It makes clear that no one can generate spiritual life or bring themselves to salvation by their own efforts—only through Christ is true growth possible. By remaining in Him, we receive strength, joy, and steadfastness in faith. The invitation to complete surrender to Christ and to trust in His guidance lies at the heart of this chapter.

Commentary

1.Spiritual Growth as God’s Work (Introduction)

• The Bible compares spiritual growth to a birth (1 Peter 2:2) and to the growth of a seed (Ephesians 4:15).

• No one can produce life by their own power—just as spiritual life cannot arise without God’s work (John 3:3).

• Growth in Christ is not the result of human effort but of divine influence.

2.The Necessity of Connection with Christ

• Plants grow through light, water, and nourishment—likewise, the believer needs Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Isaiah 60:19).

• Jesus emphasizes: “Remain in me”—without Him, a person cannot bear fruit (John 15:4–5).

• Many attempt to live righteously by their own strength, yet Christ is the only path to holiness.

3.Daily Surrender to God as the Key to Growth

• Daily prayer and complete surrender to God are essential for growth in faith.

• The relationship with Christ must be consistent and alive—He should not only be present at the beginning and end of our lives, but at every moment (Psalm 16:8).

• Our hope does not lie in ourselves but in Christ, who connects our weakness with His strength.

4.The Danger of Self-Centeredness and Distraction by Satan

• Satan constantly tries to divert the believer’s gaze from Christ—whether through worries, fears, or worldly temptations.

• The only security lies in complete dependence on Christ—not in self-reflection or self-doubt (Galatians 2:20).

• True spiritual growth occurs through trust, obedience, and continual connection with Christ.

5.The Examples of the First Disciples and Their Deep Fellowship with Christ

• The disciples grew through daily fellowship with Christ and were changed by the Holy Spirit.

• John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was transformed by closeness to Christ from an ambitious and fiery man into a symbol of love.

• This deep spiritual fellowship with Christ is still available to every believer today.

6.The Ongoing Presence of Christ in Our Lives

• After His ascension, Jesus remained united with His disciples through the Holy Spirit—He remains in the hearts of believers today in the same way.

• Life in Christ means not only following Him, but fully uniting oneself with Him.

• Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Ephesians 4:15)—in Him lies our entire hope for growth and perfection.

Summary

Chapter 8 underscores the importance of spiritual growth in Christ. It shows that this growth is not achieved through human effort but solely through connection with Christ. Just as plants need light, water, and nourishment to thrive, the believer needs Christ as the source of life. Walking daily with Christ, engaging in consistent prayer, and surrendering fully to Him lead to spiritual maturity. The disciples of Jesus are an example of how close fellowship with Christ can completely transform a person’s nature. The invitation is: “Remain in me”—whoever remains in Christ grows in faith, bears fruit, and is transformed into His image.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/11-03-2025-1-peter-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/