Why do you spend money on what is not bread

The verse continues “and labor for what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in fatness” (Isaiah 55:2 NIV, KJV). The Hebrew poetry and imagery of the first two stanzas are essentially asking why we are looking for, and working hard to find, fulfilment, satisfaction and love in all the wrong places. It is a highly relevant question both inside and outside the Western Church! I say this because the Church at times is indistinguishable from the World and, like ancient Israel at times, the shoe “Joy is withered away from the sons of men” (Joel 1:12) fits the bill to a T. This morning’s verse however is preceded by the invitation “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free” (verse 1 NLT)! Are you thirsty this morning, thirsty to begin, or thirsty for more?

Since theologically repetition signifies importance, the “Listen, listen” of the NIV (harken diligently KJV) gives the force of the Hebrew. Other translations have “listen carefully.” But you get the point, this is not casual listening, and of course the Biblical concept of listening includes follow through (obedience), to what is being heard. And what needs to be heard, is that we need to forsake our wicked ways and thoughts, and return to the Lord seeking Him while He is calling, and thus may be found. When we do this He will abundantly pardon (verses 6, 7). Should you or I protest that we are not wicked, the answer comes that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (verses 8,9).

There is a promise at the end of the verse “your soul will delight in fatness” (KJV). Other translations have “the richest of fare.” I am remembering a story a missionary told me of being invited to dine with a sheik. To honour him, the sheik had served him with a lump of fat. The missionary humbly protested that that was too good for him and returned it to the sheik. It is a bit like our eating fat ladened scrunchions. The point though is that the promise is that we shall "eat" of “the richest of fare,” and that “You shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace” (verse 12). The New Testament equivalent is “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). But if we are to eat and drink spiritual milk and wine rather than just water (merely surviving verse 1), then in the words of twelve-step-programs “Half measures profited us nothing.” He is not impressed with anything less that full surrender and passionate responses (Revelation 3:15-19).

Father, help us to see the hollowness of much of what we do. When we come to the place where life even starts to feels empty (or worse), help us Lord to turn to you and eat of the spiritual food and drink of Your Word, Your Spirit and Your presence. Forgive us Lord for those times we have either strayed or have been lukewarm. Bring us back to our first love, teach us to harken diligently unto You, and Lord please restore unto us the joy of our salvation. And we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen