A glorious Tuesday awaits you, my friend – because our Good God loves you! Rejoice and be glad!Read Isaiah 55.
Invitation – if we had to use one word to describe this marvelous portion of scripture, it would be “invitation”. Through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD Himself issues a series of invitations to each of us. As you read through our passage today, pay close attention to each of these beautiful invitations from God:
The opening invitation, and indeed the entire passage, begins with the declaration Ho! That is, pay attention! Everything that follows is worthy of your hearing and your consideration! Then the LORD offers water to the thirsty; and food that is good and satisfying and abundant; all of this free, yet priceless. This first invitation is reminiscent of Psalm 34: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”. Thank You, LORD, for inviting me to partake at Your table.
In the next invitation, the LORD asks us to hear Him and to come to Him; if we do, our soul will live and He will establish with us an everlasting covenant. Effectively, He is inviting us to live a life that is guided by our Good God. Thank You, LORD, for inviting me to come to You.
The next invitation famously states (vv 6) “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.”. Think about how amazing and unique this is – the Creator of the universe is inviting His people into a truly intimate relationship with Him. Thank You, LORD, for inviting me into relationship.
Continuing on, the LORD says (vv 7) “Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” Clearly, an invitation to forgiveness – we receive Your forgiveness with thanks, Merciful God!
Next, the LORD invites each of us into a place of complete trust in Him. He does this through His clear declaration that He is different from man and holy in every way (vv 8-9) – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Thank You, LORD, for inviting me to see Your holiness.
And the final, wonderful invitation contained in this passage – an invitation to each of us to be a part of His restoration, which will surely be established through His word!And as you go out into your mission field today, be encouraged by this declaration from vv 12; “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
My brother, go out today in His joy and be led out by His peace! And be thankful as You walk in all of the benefits of the wonderful invitations He has extended to you! Amen!
