Isaiah uses very vivid images to express the judgment and wrath of God. He pictures God's action as grapes being squeezed in a huge winepress.

The term 'grapes of wrath' has even come into our culture as a symbol of God's righteous judgment. It is a reminder that although God is patient and merciful, there comes a point when the cup of wrath is full, and we, as a people, must pay the price. Our behaviour, values

, and choices affect everyone, not just ourselves. The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem was seen as an example of God's wrath, although it was more likely due to power politics and Roman military might. When asked when it would happen, Jesus spoke of wars and rumours of wars, along with earthquakes and famines.

These things have always happened, so we should not expect the world to end soon. But the point Jesus made is those who endured with patience, faith, and love to the end would be saved.

We cannot control what happens in the world, but we have the power to choose how we will respond.