Isaiah 55:1-13
Q.1. What makes God’s grace so superior to all other pursuits? Where is this blessing found? With what attitude should we come to God? How broad is God’s offer? – (Isa.55:1-5)
God’s grace satisfies the deepest hunger and thirst of every human longing. It is vastly superior, because it is free and available to all who truly seek for – what is good (Isa.55:2). Listen! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost (Isa.55:1). God questioned why people waste money on things that will never satisfy their inner longing (Isa.55:2). However, God was clearly not referring to a commodity, but a relationship. He declared – Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David (Isa.55:3). This is found by coming to the Lord … it is found in a covenant relationship. God offers to be one party, and whoever responds is the other party. He showed this mercy to David, and He entered into an everlasting Covenant with him (2 Sam.7:11-16 c.f. Lk.1:32-33). David is often remembered for his sin. However, the distinctive characteristic of David was his passion for God. In fulfilment of this prophecy, we Gentiles affirm king David’s greatest Son, Jesus Christ – Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, and a nation which knows you not, will run to you, because of the Lord your God, even the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you (Isa.55:5). This Gospel has extended throughout the nations of the world.
Q.2. What makes God’s appeal to turn from sin urgent? How will He respond to the earnest seeker? Can we fully comprehend God’s love, mercy, and grace? Why? – (Isa.55:6-9)
We are to seek the Lord – while He may be found … and – while He is near (Isa.55:6). We should not presume that we can go our own way, and simply decide to seek Him on our terms when it suits us. Judah had turned away from the Lord. God described them as ‘wicked’ and ‘unrighteous’ and pleaded for them to return to Him (Isa.55:7). How wonderful our Lord is as He promises the earnest seeker – … He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon (Isa.55:7). People are never this kind to those who have insulted them. This is why it is so hard for sinners to comprehend the love of God. God explains – 8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isa.55:8-9).
Q.3. How reliable is God’s provision? What makes God’s Word so important in declaring the truth? What hope did God declare to the nation? For whom is Israel’s blessing a sign? – (Isa.55:10-13)
Is this promise dependable? God declared – So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it (Isa.55:11). God’s grace is not only totally undeserved, but it is also totally unexpected. That’s why many in the church have rejected a future for Israel – because such kindness is not known in the annals of human history. Even before Judah went into captivity, God promised her future blessedness – For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands (Isa.55:12). This new kingdom will be lush and green, transforming thorn bushes into cypress trees and turning nettles into myrtle trees – it will be a memorial tribute to the Lord for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off (Isa.55:13). No person will be able to explain away this amazing miracle of God (c.f. Ezk.47:6-12).