Hi,
A break from Nehemiah to Isaiah 55. Isaiah was calling the Israelites back from captivity in Babylon, and at the same time calling to a place of repentance.
I have been wrestling with this chapter for a number of years and am convinced in light of the current economic times that now more than ever we need to be focusing on God, seeking his will. Isaiah challenges us to recognise spiritual wealth is much more permanent than seeking after worldly possessions and hoping in things which do not come to fruition. As the economic reality hits, it is interesting to note that many more New Zealanders are spending money on Lotto in the hope they might win the big one. In the midst of this the Church has a challenge to preach the word and to be at the forefront in helping people.
Isaiah 55 vs. 1-2 – Come to me my people
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to me all you who have no money,
Come buy and eat! Come; buy wine and milk without money and without cost
Are you hungry, my word to you is rich, eat of it, it is better than honey
The world in which you live is full of deception, lies, people are desperately lost
They are searching for answers, seeking in wrong places, that is not funny
They search on the web, they buy that has no value, and the rubbish arrives in the post
They desire for more, to keep up with the Jones, they put on a face that is sunny
I say to you forget these things, look to me, I give you far more without cost
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
You face so many options, so many choices, advertisers try to sell you enhanced beauty
I gave my only son that you might not perish but have eternal life, that’s beyond compare
Yet you struggle to understand that it’s a gift for you, come to me is my entreaty
Come, seek my face, my goodness, and as you do my perfect love will cast out all your fear
Mark Maffey July 2007