The Joy of Glory

Isaiah 55 (click here)
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. 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. (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Reflection
I went to the grocery store this morning. I don’t mind doing this…it has actually become a rather enjoyable task for me over the years. However…there is one part I don’t enjoy…paying.

Wouldn’t it be nice to simply gather what is needed to feed ourselves, our roommates, our families and just walk out the door to the tune of an employee saying, “Have a nice day!”

Free groceries. Free food. Free drink. That sounds fantastic.

But this is not reality…or is it?

We eat and drink out of necessity. Without food or water, we die…it is that simple. And nothing we eat or drink can ever permanently meet our nutritional needs. It provides temporary satisfaction as it fills our stomach, but in a matter of hours we will be in need all over again.

In both the Old and New Testaments, God draws upon food and drink as a parable for what we truly need and that which can truly satisfy…himself!

He is necessary for eternal life…without him, there is only eternal death…it is that simple. He is like our food and drink…he is the bread of life and the living water! And, miracle of miracles, he permanently satisfies. When we come to him for our satisfaction, there is no need to ever seek it out in another source. He permanently fills!

But still…it gets better.

This bread of life and living water which permanently satisfies is free. We could never afford him or deserve him, but we who have no money have been invited to eat and drink without price or payment! He is freely ours through faith!

Why do we spend our money for that which is not bread (the things of this world), and why do we labor for that which does not satisfy (all in this world will leave us empty)? Listen diligently to the LORD, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food…the bread of life…Jesus Christ!

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com

*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.