“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.  (Isaiah 55:1-5)
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These words of Isaiah are filled with images and promises that excite and elate us. Yet they were written first to a people who were going into exile, but also meant to be heard by those who would be returning. To people undergoing such great travail, the words seem to be empty promises, like a dream compared to what they were actually experiencing. They were urged not to look at what was happening to them for that would discourage them. They were not to worry for worry is fruitless and empty. Instead they were to look to the Lord. They were to trust in Him by faith. As they did, they would realize that God had always been faithful to His word whether He was promising victory and blessing or judgment and tribulation. Thus His promise of blessing and peace that is made here is certain.

In our own world, we believers daily suffer tribulation and distress. We, like the people of ancient Judah, can take heart in these words of satisfaction and peace in Jesus. Why then do we spend our money on what does not satisfy? Why then do we work for goals and purposes that we think will fulfill us and give us peace? The things this world values, the people and relationships of this world will not bring us the blessings and rest we all crave. The Lord calls us to come to Him, to find true peace, real forgiveness, unselfish love and compassionate kindness by loving and serving Him alone. Why then would we seek such reality apart from God and His Kingdom?.