< Isaiah 55 >

God extends his offer of eternal life to everyone who will hear his word and believe, and no money is required v.1Isaiah 55:1XWaiting for response so everyone can take advantage of it. However, people generally spend their money on other things which, in the end, do not satisfy v.2Isaiah 55:2XWaiting for response and then they die. If we incline our ear to God’s word we shall live for ever because he will then include us in the covenants of promise he has made, e.g. to David and his seed v.3.Isaiah 55:3XWaiting for response Paul cited this verse to prove that the righteous, having been raised from the dead, will no more return to corruption (Acts 13:34).Acts 13:34XWaiting for response Jesus, as the seed of David, will be a leader and commander to the people and all nations will submit to him when he comes in glory vs.4-5.Isaiah 55:4-5XWaiting for response God promises we can live and reign with Jesus when he returns to sit on David’s throne, therefore we should believe and obey while we have the opportunity. If we delay, it may be too late: certainly death extinguishes all opportunity for those who have not responded to the word of God. Therefore: “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” vs.6-7.Isaiah 55:6-7XWaiting for response

The purpose of God is marvellous and completely different from what men and women expect naturally, for his thoughts are above our thoughts, and his ways above our ways v.8Isaiah 55:8XWaiting for response even as the heavens are higher than the earth v.9.Isaiah 55:9XWaiting for response He has sent forth his word to develop men and women who are obedient to his will, and the word will accomplish this purpose v.11.Isaiah 55:11XWaiting for response Just as the rain falls and returns by evaporation, causing plants to flourish in the earth v.10Isaiah 55:10XWaiting for response so the word of God sent into the earth develops righteousness, and ultimately the earth will be filled with people who will be “trees of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3).Isaiah 61:3XWaiting for response Instead of people being like thorns and briers they will be like fir and myrtle trees to the glory of God’s name v.13,Isaiah 55:13XWaiting for response and to those who respond faithfully to his word, God says: “Ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills [the nations, great and small] shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” v.12.Isaiah 55:12XWaiting for response