God's Open Invitation

GOD'S OPEN INVITATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 55:1-9 (KJV)

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 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. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 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. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah 55 is a powerful invitation from God to humanity, calling people to receive His grace, experience spiritual satisfaction, and turn away from sin. This passage highlights the generosity of God’s salvation, the importance of seeking Him, and the contrast between human understanding and divine wisdom.

The chapter begins with an open invitation: “Come, all who are thirsty,” emphasizing that salvation is free and accessible to all. It challenges people to stop seeking fulfillment in things that cannot satisfy and instead embrace the spiritual nourishment that only God provides.

The latter part of the passage underscores the urgency of seeking the Lord while He is near and repenting from sinful ways. It also reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are far beyond human comprehension, teaching us to trust in His perfect plan.

1. GOD’S INVITATION TO ALL (ISAIAH 55:1-2)

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters..."

a) A Call to the Thirsty (John 7:37-38)

God’s invitation is for those who are spiritually thirsty. Just as water is essential for physical life, God’s presence is necessary for spiritual life. Jesus echoed this in John 7:37-38, offering living water to all who believe in Him.

b) Salvation is Free (Romans 6:23)

The passage says, “Buy without money and without price,” emphasizing that God’s salvation is a gift, not something earned. The price has already been paid by Christ.

c) True Satisfaction Comes from God (John 6:35)

Many seek satisfaction in material wealth, pleasures, and worldly achievements, yet true fulfillment comes only through Christ. He is the Bread of Life, satisfying every longing soul.

d) Avoiding Wasted Effort (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Isaiah warns against spending resources on things that do not satisfy. This echoes Solomon’s reflection that worldly pursuits are vanity.

e) Biblical Example: The Woman at the Well (John 4:13-14)

Jesus told the Samaritan woman that whoever drinks from earthly wells will thirst again, but those who drink from Him will never thirst.

2. GOD’S EVERLASTING COVENANT (ISAIAH 55:3-5)

"Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you..."

a) The Sure Mercies of David (2 Samuel 7:16)

God made an everlasting covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever. This was fulfilled in Christ, the eternal King.

b) Jesus as the Witness and Leader (Revelation 1:5)

Jesus is the faithful witness, the leader of God’s people, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

c) Gentiles Included in the Covenant (Ephesians 2:12-13)

This prophecy foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. The nations who once did not know God would be drawn to Him.

d) God’s Glory Draws People (John 12:32)

Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” His resurrection and exaltation have made Him the hope of all nations.

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius (Acts 10:34-35)

Cornelius, a Gentile, was accepted by God, showing that salvation is for all who seek Him.

3. SEEKING THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND (ISAIAH 55:6-7)

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near."

a) The Urgency of Seeking God (Hebrews 3:7-8)

There is a time when God is near, and people must respond before it is too late.