The Explanation

Once, God told about a big dragon. It lived in the sea. Long and twisty it was. But God is stronger. God took his sword, his big strong sword. And God will win.

Then God told about something else. A vineyard. Do you know what that is? A garden full of grape plants. God said: I take care of it. Every day, I give it water. Every day, I watch over it, day and night. No one can hurt my vineyard.

Were there thorns? Prickly, sharp thorns? Then God would take them away. But peace, said God. I want peace.

What Does This Mean?

God's people are like that vineyard. God waters them. God watches over them. Every day. Even at night, when it is dark, God is watching.

Sometimes the vineyard had thorns. That means the people did wrong things. But God said: come to me. Make peace with me. God was not looking for a fight. God wanted peace.

And then something beautiful. God said: Jacob will take root, like a plant in the ground. Israel will blossom. Little flowers will grow. And fruit, lots and lots of fruit, all over the world.

The Common Thread

God had scattered his people, far away. Some in Assyria, some in Egypt. Far from home.

But listen, then a big trumpet blows. Loud and clear. Everyone hears it. And the people who were far away, they come back. They come home again.

They walk up the holy mountain. To Jerusalem. And there, there they worship God.

Jesus is like that trumpet. He calls people who are far away. He calls them home. To God, to peace, to safety.

For You

Are you sometimes far away? Maybe not far in a car. But far inside, when you did something wrong.

God is like a gardener. He waters you every day. He watches over you, even while you sleep. And he wants peace with you, always.

Do you hear a loud sound sometimes? A trumpet, or a bell? Think of God then. He is calling you. He wants you close to him.

Talk About It

What do you think a gardener does for his plants?

If God calls you like a trumpet, what would you do?

Praying Together

Dear God, Thank you that you take care of me, like a gardener with his plants. Thank you that you want peace with me. When I hear a loud sound, let me think of you. You are calling me close to you. Amen.