Isaiah 55
In chapter 54 we found a wonderful promise, guaranteed by God’s unfailing word, and chapter 55 fitly follows with a wide invitation to Israel. The offer is Millennial glory; the invitation is free; all that is required, we note, is that the “thirsty” shall come, and those that have “no money.”
Israel is now set aside, and a grander offer of eternal glory with Christ is going out to Jew and Gentile on one common footing that “all have sinned.”
But the present day of grace is waning, plainly drawing near its close, and after the children of Israel will hear God’s word with the hearing of faith, they will accept the gracious invitation of Isaiah 55 and welcome their Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He comes again. Countless Gentiles to 'whom the present gospel has never been brought, will be saved through the preaching of converted Jews.
Precious are the pleadings of the Holy Spirit in these opening verses of our chapter; there is nothing to compare with them except the present invitation to accept God’s offer of salvation. The sure mercies of David (verse 3) are referred to in Psalm 89 verses 3, 4, 19-37, and 49; in 2 Samuel 7, and 1 Chronicles 17. They will be made good in Christ: of Him verse 4 in our chapter speaks, viewing Him as not for Israel only but for the Gentiles, the Prince of the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:55And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)). The word “people”, twice in verse 4, is “peoples”,—the nations, as distinct from Israel.
The principles upon which God deals in grace with His fallen creatures, with mankind, whether Jew or Gentile, are set forth in verses 6 to 11. As for the sinner, there is the solemn consideration that God must be sought, called upon, while there is opportunity. Proverbs 1:20-3320Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. (Proverbs 1:20‑33); 2 Corinthians 6 :2; Hebrews 3 :7-19 witness to the importance of accepting His grace without delay.
The whole plan of redemption is God’s, and man has no part in it, to do aught for himself, but only to believe it, to take God at His word. Nothing to do but acknowledge the truth about one’s self to Him, and then to receive mercy, abundant pardon (verse 7).
All blessing for man is founded upon believing, receiving, God’s Word. Men refuse the Word, deny its inspiration, its authority, but He has declared (and we bless Him for it!) that it shall not return to Him void, it shall accomplish that which He pleases, and that for which He sent it (verse 11).
The result on earth of the acceptance of His Word by Israel is foretold in verses 12 and 13.
Much more than this is the portion of those who believe to the saving of the soul, we know.
Messages of God’s Love 4/15/1934