Leviathan and the Vine

Isaiah 27:1-51 At that time God will unsheathe his sword, his merciless, massive, mighty sword.
He'll punish the serpent Leviathan as it flees,
the serpent Leviathan thrashing in flight.
He'll kill that old dragon
that lives in the sea.
2-5"At that same time, a fine vineyard will appear.
There's something to sing about!
I, God, tend it.
I keep it well-watered.
I keep careful watch over it
so that no one can damage it.
I'm not angry. I care.
Even if it gives me thistles and thornbushes,
I'll just pull them out
and burn them up.
Let that vine cling to me for safety,
let it find a good and whole life with me,
let it hold on for a good and whole life."


I love the contrasting images of God in this passage. How he is merciless against the enemy and at the same time nurturing and tender with his own. Even if his own give him thistles and thornbushes, he invites us to cling to him for safety.

When I find myself in this picture, I must ask: What is my "Leviathan"? Because I want him to unsheathe his merciless, massive, mighty sword against it. And I want to cling to him like a vine, wrapping myself around him, allowing him to keep careful watch over me the whole time.
-Candice