July 7, 2026 - Isaiah 49-55

The Lord says to his people:  “I will not forget you.  Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands” (49:15,16).  Can there be any greater joy and comfort that this, to know that my name is always there before the Lord in his sight!

 “Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!” (55:1).  Can there be any greater encouragement than this, to know God himself calls us to him and he delights to give us all we need.  And that without cost to us because Christ has paid the cost!

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call to Him while He is near.  Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive” (55:6,7).  Can there be any greater comfort than this, to know that our God is compassionate and freely forgives all who ask of him!

And it goes on and on.  Wonderful, wonderful words of encouragement here.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea:

A great High Priest whose name is Love,

Whoever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

My name is written on his heart.

I know that while in Heav'n he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart,

No tongue can bid me thence depart.   -- Charitie Lees Smith (1866)