This passage may be prophesying the captivity of God's people-a time of judgment for Judah and Jerusalem. They would lack resources and support. Most of all, they would lack real leadership. Nobody would want to step up to help and care for others. Similarly, when we only see what we lack, we despair. But God calls each of us to lead, to step up to offer even what little we can to serve those in need.

The LORD will judge the people for their wickedness. He will judge the elders and leaders who have ruined God's vineyard by oppressing God's people. Such leadership only cares about their own power and prosperity at the expense of others.

True leadership resembles Christ's servant leadership, which reached out to the least of people, "the least of these" (Matt 25:40). Although he lacked political support and riches, Jesus brought healing, hope, and salvation to the marginalized and oppressed and to all who came to him.


Application: Lord, give us the courage to step up, not out of duty or honor, but out of faith that you can bless our hands, our money, and our talents, even if it seems small in our own eyes.
One Word: Step up to serve others in need