In my daily Bible reading plan, I recently read Isaiah 55, which the NIV has the chapter titled “Invitation to the Thirsty”, but I think the ESV has the more appropriate title of “The Compassion of the Lord”Isaiah 55:1-4, 6 & 7 (ESV)
1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;”
7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
God’s invitation of compassion is freely offered, but to receive His salvation we must:
1. Come to Him in repentance, confess your sins and ask for forgiveness
2. Listen and hear the Word of God
3. Seek Him through scripture
4. Call on God by taking on His Son in baptism
In verse 6, Isaiah tells us to call on the Lord while He is near. God is not planning to move away from us, but we often move away from Him. Whether it is family responsibilities, work obligations and/or our recreational activities, we create barriers between ourselves and God. Don’t wait until you have drifted far away from God to seek Him. According to God’s wise plan, His people were to have a hope and a future. God can be sought and found when we seek him wholeheartedly. Seek God now, while you can, while He is near. God is inviting you, return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on you.
