When I was a child I loved going to the market, you’d hear the traders calling out their deals, my favourite thing were the digital watches! But as good as the deals were, I never heard a deal as amazing as the one that God offers in Isaiah 55.
“Come everyone who thirsts…come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
In Isaiah’s day, there were many competing offers, and so he calls out 4 times, “come”. There’s so many others offering satisfaction elsewhere, that he asks the question, why do you labour for that which won’t satisfy? (Isaiah 55:2).
Isaiah says, God has something better, he offers rich food. It’s picture language for the goodness of God and the life He offers. Everything is provided, water for thirst, milk for strength, wine for joy. God is no spoilsport, but the giver of life. He says “come to me and hear that your soul may live.”
But you may be thinking, it’s not for me, I’ve got too many questions, too many doubts. Well God doesn’t say, stop thinking, but start listening, to start paying attention to His Word – “incline your ear” (v3). He doesn’t want to spoil your life, but to give you life!
Ah, you say, but its not for me, it might help you, but it’s not for me. But God says “Come everyone”! This isn’t just for the old people, it’s not just for the young, it’s not just for the rich, it’s not just for the poor, it’s not just for the white, it’s not just for the black, it’s for everyone, whatever your background. If you can put yourself in “everyone” category, then this offer is for you! The only condition is that you must be thirsty. But isn’t that true for us all? All peoplethirst for life and satisfaction.
But what will it cost? Do you see the beauty of v1 – you can’t pay! It’s “without money and without price”. Now you think, this is too good to be true! Nothing is free. Well it’s not free, but it’s without price, because the price has been paid in full already. Isaiah 55 comes after Isaiah 53 where we read the incredible words that Jesus was “pierced for our transgressions” – He paid the price for all our rebellion against God. And because He has paid the price, He loves people to come to Him and receive the forgiveness that He has paid for.
But how can we know it worked? Well our reading from 1 Cor 15 tells us that Jesus rose physically from the dead, and that there were so many witnesses to it that if you gave each one of them 15 minutes each to testify, you’d have over 3 weeks of court room testimony. Remember, God doesn’t say stop thinking, but start listening.
Well, maybe you don’t like the idea of saying sorry. It’s a hard thing to do, we’re fearful of how people may respond when we try and say sorry, how will God respond after the way I have treated Him? You don’t need to fear, look at 55:7 “He will abundantly pardon”. What an offer! He tells us He won’t turn anyone away who comes to Him. But can’t I just leave it for a while? Well we’re back to where we started, why spend your effort on what won’t last! You won’t find true and lasting satisfaction anywhere else. And what’s more, there is an urgency. Look at v6 “seek the Lord while he may be found.” There will come a day when it is too late. Now is the time to respond. Don’t put it off.
What an amazing offer, have you responded? Who can you encourage to take up this offer?
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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