Week Five
Introduction to Week Five
How is it nearly the end of June, already? Have you stuck with this study this far? Well done. We’ve studied some rich passages and we are not done, yet. Despite the prophecies of the capture of Israel and the pronouncement of woes on those who disobey God, I find Isaiah to be a book of rich hope. Even in the punishments that are mentioned we have found hints of God’s grace and longing to draw His people near. It’s so encouraging to be loved by a God who forgives and makes a way for us to be near Him, isn’t it? As you approach this last week, savor each reading and continue to whisper to Him, “Teach me.” Also, be asking God what’s next? It’s always good to have a plan so you continue in the daily habit of hearing His voice through His living Word each and every day.
June 25 – Isaiah 55
Oh, what a wide-open and gracious invitation God makes to us all in this beautiful chapter. We’ve seen through Isaiah’s eyes the sacrificial Lamb who was slain. And now we see the results of His death and resurrection. Heaven’s doors have been opened wide to undeserving sinners like us. Praise God!
I love how it starts with God welcoming us to eat and drink … for free! I can’t help but think of Jesus in the New Testament declaring that He is living water and He is the bread of life. We’ve been invited in. We in Him and He in us, abiding so close, like a branch attached to a vine, bearing fruit because of Him. Wow. It also brings to mind the Wedding Supper of the Lamb found in John’s book of Revelation:
“Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.”
For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” —Revelation 19:6-9 NLT.
Someday, friends, we are going to be seated with Jesus, like His disciples at the Last Supper, sharing a celebration meal. We’ve been invited. He’s paid the cost. We just need to accept it. What a feast day that will be! Isaiah continues to plead, as God yearns for His people to seek Him and want Him. He scatters His Word everywhere, like snow or rain falls on the land, so that people might find Him and discover His love. He is not far from any who seek Him. Ask the person in a foreign country who sees Him in a dream. Or the one who looks at the night sky and asks, “Who made all this?” Our God wants us to come to Him. And this chapter makes it abundantly clear.
My verse: “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
My response: Like snow and rain, replenishing the ground water so trees can drink way after the rain has stopped, our Word continues to nourish us, seeping into our minds and subconscious thoughts. Speak, Lord!
