Isaiah 55:1-5 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 55:1-5 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 55Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Verse 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Verse 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Verse 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Verse 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Devotion
“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!”
I remember taking my kids to the Wisconsin State Fair when it was held during the first week of August in Milwaukee. There was so much to see, to do, to eat, and to hear. The cacophony of sound was nearly deafening. One of our favorite stops was the milk stand. The kids could get a free cup of milk, and as many more cups as they wanted. They were amazed that all they had to do was walk up and ask, choosing between plain, chocolate, and strawberry—all free!
That’s how it is with God. God’s love, God’s abundance is free! There is always enough and it never runs out. There is nothing to be done except open our hands and receive God’s gracious gift.
Prayer
Abundant God, thank you for the gifts of this day. Thank you for your unending love that fills us up day after day. Amen.