In light of the demands on our time and the pressure to work harder, mostly for the satisfaction of the pleasures of this world, I was encouraged by this verse in Isaiah 55:2 “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.”
In his invitation to the people of Israel to receive the glory of the Lord’s restoration, Isaiah poses a great question for the people…”why do you spend money and labor for what can’t satisfy?” He calls on the people of God to listen diligently, eat what is good and delight in rich food. First, the satisfaction of God’s promises is only available to those who listen diligently. Listening diligently takes time, attention and effort. Second, they must eat what is good, the good word of God, the Gospel. And third, they must delight in God’s rich food, reading his words and hearing by faith and attending to God’s words with spiritual pleasure and delight.
We are called today to pause and examine our lives. What things are we pouring our time, money and effort into? Are they things that don’t satisfy? Or things that bring glory to the Lord? There is an invitation from Christ today for us to listen diligently, because the satisfaction God promises only comes to those who listen, those who listen patiently and attentively. We are invited to eat that which is good and to delight in the rich food. In other words, to spend time abiding in God’s word, meditating on His promises and delighting in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Lord, our prayer is to only delight in your good word that promises satisfaction. May you lead and guide us as we redirect our efforts, time and money to those things that will bring glory to your Holy name. Fill our hearts with the joy and delight that only comes from the satisfaction of eating from the bread of life, the essential Word, Jesus Christ. Amen!
