The Prophet Isaiah was given a message from God to the people of Israel - a poignant message, that is as relevant today as it was then. They had endured years in Babylonian exile. Living in a godless culture had drawn them away from their first Love. Their spiritual compass had been skewed, disoriented, confused... here, God is redirecting it for them.
“Come, all you who are thirsty; come to the waters. And you who have no money - come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to Me; listen that you may live...” (Isaiah 55:1-3)
Upon first glance you may think this is a call to receive God as their personal Savior, but it’s more. It’s a call to those that have forgotten that walking with their Lord is their only source of true satisfaction. He alone, is our Fount of Living Water, our Source of Bread that brings eternal Life. He reminds us it’s free! Why is it free? Because it was purchased with the precious blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). It cost Him everything - but is given freely to us. There’s nothing else to be paid - so come! Eat!
He urges us to buy wine and milk, but without money. Then what are we “spending” to get it? Time with Him. We must set aside time to glean from Him the riches of his Grace and Love (milk), as well as the richness of His Mercy and Forgiveness (wine).
He asks us why we’re striving for what doesn’t satisfy? Friends, He’s talking to us, here, right now. We also live in such godless, distracting, volatile times, that we get caught up in the whirlwind of it all. Oh, how we need to listen to His invitation... “Listen to Me, and eat what is Good, and the richest foods will be given! Come to Me, and listen, that you may (really) live.”
Dear ones, we all need these moments where we come and sit at the feet of Jesus and allow Him to “reset” our paths. If we are feeling unsatisfied, or spiritually malnourished, it’s a sign we’re off track. If the fountains we’re drinking from aren’t satisfying us, perhaps it’s not of Him. Even the slightest error in our own judgment, overtime, leads us away from Him. He desires to fully restore us to the healthy, nurturing relationship He has for us - despite the turmoil around us.
“He will prepare a table (of bounty) for me in the presence of mine enemies.” (Psalm 23:5)
Come, dear ones, eat and drink, that you may live.
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