GOD’S INVITAITON TO THE WHOLE WORLD

ISAIAH CHAPTER 55

 

The Lord God of the universe extends an invitation to every person who has ever lived on this earth to come and accept His gracious offer of spiritual life.  To every person who is thirsty for righteousness the Lord of all creation has prepared a feast to which all may come.

 

In Isaiah 55:1-5, God’s gracious invitation is extended to anyone who is thirsty.  May I suggest that if you are satisfied with your life as it is and are not interested in spiritual things, this invitation is not for you.   If our society has taught us anything, it is that fame, money, acclaim and success do not meet the inner spiritual needs of the human heart.  People have always worked hard and spent their strength on that which does not truly satisfy their deepest hunger and needs.  Look at the level of frustration and disappointment resulting in depression in all levels of our society, which is on the rise today.  Isaiah writes in verse 2, “Listen attentively to me and eat that which is good.”  The message is “Listen, and your soul shall live.”  The Bible teaches, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)   It’s important to notice that hearing is emphasized in these opening verses of God’s invitation to mankind who desire spiritual life. John 5:24 makes it clear that “He that heareth my Word and believeth on Him that sent me hath everlasting life.” In connection with His promises, David is mentioned because of the everlasting covenant God made with David in II Samuel 7:16.  Those promises to David will be seen in the life of the Messiah of Israel who will reign as the Servant, King and will one day in the future reign over all the earth from Jerusalem for a 1,000 years and fulfill the promises God made to David and to the Nation of Israel.

 

In Isaiah, 55:6-13, the command is given to “Seek the Lord.” Repeatedly the Scriptures call upon mankind to seek the Lord while there is time.  In Psalm 95:7,8, we are challenged with “Today if we will hear his voice, harden not your heart,” and in II Corinthians 6:2, “Behold now is the day of salvation” for we are still living in “ God’s acceptable year.”  In the thought, “While he may be found,” reminds us one day this invitation to eternal life will come to an end.  In verses 8, 9, we are reminded man can never fathom the depths and greatness of God.  God is not only all-powerful and all wise, but He is also full of compassion and forgiveness when man turns to Him in repentance.  Just remember, there is no comparison between man’s thoughts and ways and God’s.  The great promise of Isaiah 55:10,11 is that God’s Word is eternal and will never fail.  The Word of God has the same effect on the soul of a man as does the rain and snow have on the earth.  It has power to revive and to provide food for the hungry and fainting person.  With confidence we can build our lives on its principles because “The Word of God shall stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) In Isaiah 55:12,13, we see the joy of the exiled Jews on their way back to Jerusalem from Babylon.  There is, however, a deeper meaning. At the end of the age, Messiah will establish His Kingdom, and all nature will sing to the Lord of hosts as they are freed by the power of God from the burden of sin and Satan.  It’s interesting to note as we end this chapter that man and nature have a mystical bond, and both share divine destiny.