October 14, 2024
Seek the LORD - Part 1
Isaiah 55:1-2
10/14/2024
1 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;
and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come,
buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not
bread, and your labor for that which does not
satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is
good, and delight yourselves in rich food. (ESV)
Who in the United States has not had an opportunity to hear
about Jesus? Essentially every town has a church or two or more,
each claiming to tell of Jesus Christ, each calling people to
come to Him. Have you heard the truth of God's love, or have you
heard promises never mentioned by God? Have you been taught that
being a Christian begins with your good works, your decision,
your becoming righteous before approaching the Almighty?
The prophet Isaiah, writing about 750 years before the birth
of Jesus, spoke of God's rich love, and mercy. He spoke God's
invitation to hear His Word, to feast on the truth that God
desires all people to know of His grace.
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he
who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine
and milk without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not
bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and
delight yourselves in rich food.
Often times the Old Testament compares the longing for
wisdom and the knowledge of God to a banquet. Isaiah invites all
people to know of God's goodness and mercy, to take part in the
banquet, at God's gracious invitation. This is a gift, not the
results of our work or our own goodness. All our striving to
please God fails if we believe that we must first be good enough
to accept His invitation.
This week we will look at the compassion of God as revealed
by the prophet Isaiah. May our Lord grant that we hear His
invitation, that we receive His mercy, and that we know of His
love. Amen.