Isaiah 55:1-19
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have 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 carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
Seek the Lord while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake their way,
and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Reflection – Kevin Washburn
Here is the Washburn Succinct Summary™ of this passage: No matter your situation, come! No matter your labor, listen! No matter your plans, call and return! No matter your thoughts, relax!
We are invited to hear the words of God, to respond to the truth, and to rest in the understanding they construct.
Background? Doesn’t matter. He has made us beautiful.
Lies we’ve believed? Irrelevant. He offers the Truth.
Schemes we have? Unimportant. He gives abundantly.
Worry and despair? Unneeded. He has a higher purpose.
The singer/songwriter Jewel reminds us to “No longer lend your strength to that which you wish to be free from.” Your history, your past erroneous beliefs, your misguided plans are no reason for regret or concern. No longer lend your strength, your time, or your energy to them. Instead, rest today in the joy of God’s abundance. His grace is greater than our need!