Isaiah 55:2-3 Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? listen diligently to me… What is man's way of meeting this great need? Spending money and labour for that which does not satisfy; in other words, using every means he can command, save the only right and true means, to satisfy the cravings of his immortal nature; a course that will prove fatal to his deathless interests if persisted in. But God meets him and — I. CHALLENGES THIS FATAL ERROR. "Wherefore do ye spend money," etc. The "wherefore" of the text implies three things on the part of God, — benign condescension; surprise; and gentle chiding. True life is impossible where the bread of life is not eaten. 1. Observation proves this. 2. Experience sustains the same truth. 3. History illustrates the same fact. 4. The Bible affirms the same doctrine. II. MEN WHO SEEK THESE THINGS AS THE HIGHEST GOOD ARE IN A STATE OF CONSTANT HUNGER AND UNREST. It is not bread, it does not "satisfy." III. GOD'S PLAN OF MEETING THE SOUL'S TRUE WANTS. Three terms are used of similar import, and that are of first importance to us, if we would put ourselves into harmony with the plan of God in relation to our good, "Hearken," "hear," and "incline your ear." These terms imply humility, docility and reverent attention. 1. God credits man with the capacity to receive and obey His communications. 2. God speaks to man, revealing His will, unfolding His way of meeting the deepest needs of our nature. 3. These Divine communications relate to our highest good. "Eat ye that which is good." 4. These provisions are richly abundant. "Let your soul delight itself in fatness." "Delight' and "fatness ' are two very prolific words and supply the fancy with almost boundless range. 5. There is life through obedience to the Divine plan. "Hear, and your soul shall live." 6. The blessings God offers are lasting as they are excellent. "I will make an everlasting covenant with you," etc. "An everlasting covenant" points to God's unchangeableness, and to His being ever ready to redeem all the pledges of His love and mercy. What should be the soul's attitude towards God while He makes these rich communications? "Hearken diligently," "Incline your ear," "Come unto him." How striking the order! The attention is first arrested, then absorbed, then the soul draws near to' God with profound interest in the revelation, ready to take the offered grace. (J. Higgins.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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