July 3, 2023 - Isaiah 55-60

There are amazing invitations found in these chapters: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, com, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (55:1). “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (55:6,7). What beautiful invitations! They make me think of the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well and how Jesus offered her, free of charge, life-giving water springing up to eternal life. In his vision, John heard the Spirit and the Bride say, “’Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ’Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (Revelation 22:17).

The gospel is such good news! It is hard (impossible?) for people to believe it: “You mean, all my sins are washed away not because of what I do but because of what another has done?” And we answer, “Yes!” as we hear Paul: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies” (Romans 8:31-33).

The gospel is such good news! It is hard (impossible?) for people to believe it: “You mean, I all my sins are washed away not because of what I do but because of what another has done?” And we answer, “Yes!” as we hear Paul: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies” (Romans 8:31-33). And to all we say:

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

full of pity, love and pow’r. --J. Hart (1759)