The Benefits of Listening

Isaiah 55:1-56:7

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Israel had offered vast amounts of money, sacrificing to other gods in an effort to gain their blessings and protection.  God asks why they would spend so much on something that couldn’t meet their needs when they got it.  He would give anyone who asked what they wanted at no cost to them.  All they would need to do was listen to what he said. 

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.  Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.  Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.” (Isaiah 55:3-5)

If they would just listen to him. He would make an everlasting covenant with them just as he had done with David, promising Christ as his descendant to reign over Israel forever.  Christ was and is an example or witness of the benefits of trusting and obeying God.  He is the leader and eternal king,  As a result of his sacrifice a different nation, that Israel didn’t know, made up of those who believe in Christ would teach Israel and all the nations of the world would come to him in Israel because he will make it his capitol, as described in Revelation 20-22.

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:6-11)

God’s offer must be accepted while it is still available.  If they will turn to God before Judgment starts, stopping their sin and their wicked thoughts and attitudes, complying with his standards, he will not give them the punishment they deserve, but unlike mankind, will pardon their sin, forgiving them completely because God’s ways are much greater and better than those of any human.   He sends the rain or from heaven, and rather than evaporating immediately and going back into the clouds, it soaks into the earth where the plants roots soak it up and use it to grow and obtain nourishment and produce seed for the farmer and food for the hungry before it evaporates and is recycled by God.  In the same way, God’s word will not just go out into the air, but will accomplish the things God intended it to do before it is taken away.   It is not just for the pleasure of hearing himself talk.

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:12-13)

If they will heed his words, they will have a life full of joy and live in peace.  The entire earth will seem like it is happy, producing fig trees and other fruit and useful plants instead of weeds and thorns.  It will be a permanent state rather than just a temporary good spell, glorifying God. 

“Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.  Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” (Isaiah 56:1-2)

Those who follow God’s commands and standards will be blessed.   They will experience His salvation and see His goodness because they keep his laws and don’t allow themselves to do evil. 

“Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.  For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” (Isaiah 56:3-7)

The Jews will no longer think they are superior because of the family heritage, or discriminate against other races.  There will be no inequalities or regrets or sorrow for having missed out on family or other blessing.  Everyone who serves God, following his laws will share in the riches of his promises and be acceptable before God.  All will be welcome.