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Bible Readings: Isaiah 55:1-7; Psalm 37:23-26

The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.      Psalm 37:23-24

“Come, all you who are thirsty,
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
    and your labor on what does not satisfy?  Isaiah 55:1-2

 

Two of my favorite restaurants growing up was Ponderosa and Bonanza because they both had all-you-can-eat salad bars!  Of course, it also helped that I wasn’t the one paying the bill – free all-you-can-eat is even better!

Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without cost.  Isaiah 55:1

This text in Isaiah is addressed to the Jews who have been living in exile for some time.  In fact, some have come to simply accept their lot in life and failed to maintain a fresh hope in God.  God extends this invitation to his people to “Come…”.  For the Jews, this was an invitation to return to Jerusalem, to return to God, and experience a time of national renewal.

These verses continue to invite us to come.  The invitation to live in a close relationship with God fulfills a deep universal longing. We were made for God. Without him we are incomplete. With him, we are truly fulfilled.

How has God invited you to a closer walk? How can you renew your relationship with him?