Today’s readings.. (1 Samuel 11,12), (Isaiah 55), (Revelation 19,20)

What a meaningful chapter we read in Isaiah today! Meaningful because it is so applicable to the attitudes that can and do influence us today. The prophet is caused by the Lord to put the question to the people, “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which does not satisfy?” [55 v.2]

God then says, through the prophet, “Incline your ear and come to me; hear; that your soul may live (eternally)” [v.3] Note the 3 stage process! At what stage are you at?

It is interesting that businesses today work on the principle that ‘time is money’ – so we must ask ourselves, how are we spending our time?

Next the prophet makes an appeal which is equally, if not more urgent today “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man (or woman) his thoughts; let him (or her) return to the LORD that he may have compassion … for he will abundantly pardon.” [v.6,7]

Then comes a fascinating analogy (v.10) that, like as the rain waters the earth to make our food grow and produce a harvest “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty” [v.11]

When God’s word is planted in your heart – what effect does it really have? Jesus is the perfect example! Remember how the word of God “was made flesh” (John 1 v.14) when he was born and grew up to represent God and speak his words and fulfil his purpose as we read in Isaiah Ch. 53.

Today the whole world has his word; they can read it in their own languages. May all who read it diligently allow it to become part of their thinking. If that is so, when Christ reigns, they will “go out in joy and be led forth in peace” [v.12] and will live in a transformed world with the curse of Eden removed, there being no longer thorns and briers (v.13). Then, as we read in Revelation ch. 20 today, “Death and Hades (the grave) were (are) thrown into the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was (is) not found in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” [ch. 20 v.14,15]

This “fire” cleanses the world of all impurity and all impure people. May the names of all those who read this be in God’s book! May we all spend our “money” wisely.