Learning from the Master
Sometimes we miss the power of a statement or a story because we lack an understanding of its roots.
In today's reading from Isaiah, we are given a great example of such a foundation.
Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watch-tower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; he expected it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. - Isaiah 5:1-2
Isaiah talks of a vineyard that has been carefully planted to yield good fruit, but produces only wild grapes. Students of the gospels might recognize the beginning of this story.
Jesus then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. - Mark 12:1-2
Jesus was a master storyteller. He knew how to take his audience on a journey, beginning with the familiar and veering off quickly to a place they didn't expect.
We can learn a great deal from him.
When we create our lesson plans and sermons, when we prepare our speeches and look to sway opinion, we need to begin on common ground. It is the source of true comprehension and cooperation.
Too often, we hear stories that begin with a jolt to the system, a shock intended to stimulate or capture interest. Long before the full report is heard, we have formed an opinion, we have taken sides, without having any facts.
This may be great for ratings or to get people to stay tuned until the eleven o'clock report, but it is divisive.
I guess we really don't want to inform and educate. We want to get people riled up and attentive.
No wonder there are reports today of people wearing masks breaking windows in California. They are not gathering to protest. They have already decided to tear down the walls and destroy the vineyard.
More to come...