Blog 11.15.2021
“May I have another?”
There’s a problem in our house. It all started on October 30. First, we had our Truck or Treat, and then on the following day, we took our kids Trick or Treating, and now we have a large amount of candy. Having too much candy creates a few problems; for starters, I have a sweet tooth and enjoy snatching a few morsels whenever I remember we have a seemingly unending supply. The second problem is that I passed this sweet tooth on to my sons. The other day I opened their bag of candies, and before I knew it, they had eaten several pieces before I realized what was happening. If they have one piece, they immediately ask for a second or third. This is only a problem if I don’t want my sons to be full of sugar and consequently excess energy, which I typically don’t want to happen. So, we make some rules for them about how often and how much they can eat. Because sugar tastes good, but in large amounts, it is not the best thing for us. And no matter how much you eat, it never fills you up.
(Isaiah 55:1-3 ESV)
“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.”
Through His prophet Isaiah, God is calling out for His people to return to Him. This passage tells us that there are things in this world that will never satisfy us. Oddly enough, we are willing to spend our money and resources (labor) on things that bring us no benefit. If we are honest, these objects and ideas can bring us great harm. We consume and consume without ever realizing what we are doing to our physical and spiritual health. Sadly, they often bring us brief moments of pleasure, but that is vain and fleeting. Like copious amounts of candy, it can leave us sick and even suffering from an energy crash. Some can ruin their spiritual lives, like an individual that no longer produces insulin the way it should. They leap from one gratifying sensation to the next, consumed by instantly gratifying their desires.
However, this passage produces imagery that is contrary to our previous scenario. We are told of a God that invites us into a rich and satisfying life. God promises us that this is something that will cost no money. Returning to God will satisfy us to the core of our existence as it poetically states, “that your soul may live!” Not only will it fill us, but it will taste good!
Some so many people do not understand or partake in this promise. They have no idea what it means to trust in God and be satisfied. They will continually be chasing one sensation, experience, or seductive moment to the next. They will wonder why they can never stop or why they feel empty.
A fantastic concept about this passage is that God does it because He wants to. It is His nature to give us what will truly satisfy. That is His purpose, and that is what will not come back empty. He does this because of His goodness and great compassion.
One final thought, read the end of the chapter v. 12-13.
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
Because of the goodness and compassion of God to those who thirst, He quenches. And when He quenches our thirst, it will be as though the earth is singing and rejoicing. Therefore, being filled is not a promise that life will never have troubles or struggles, but that the goodness and compassion of God will fulfill you, and your outlook on life will change because you are changed.
(1 Timothy 6:6-7 ESV) “… godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”
Good message!