March 2, 2006 - Floyd Roseberry, Fair Oaks Baptist(Concord)

March 2, 2006

Isaiah 55:1-5
Floyd Roseberry, Fair Oaks Baptist (Concord)

Read the passage and respond to these questions:

1. Ultimately, what is the difference between the groceries we buy and the products God wants us to invest in?
2. What are the promises of God in this passage?
This text begins as an invitation to “come.” It is addressed to all who are thirsty. Wine and milk are offered to quench that thirst. They are offered to us as gifts of grace “without money and without cost.” There is food as well as drink. We are invited to “eat what is good” and “delight in the richest of fare.”
What is offered as drink and food is in fact spiritual nourishment. God wants to renew his everlasting covenant with his people and assure them of his faithful love. It is this fare that we all need during this Lenten season as we prepare for Easter. We need to be reminded of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ and that we are God’s beloved children in Him.
How are we to do this? The key word is “listen.” God invites us, “Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live”. We are invited to solitude and silence and listening. We are to take time away from the noise and mental clutter of our lives and allow some space to hear God speak to us. He has a Word for us! In Psalm 81:13ff God pleads for his people to listen to him and promises, “You would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Lent is the season when we give special attention to the One who says to us, “My sheep listen to my voice” (John 10:3).
prayer
Pray with Henri Nouwen: “O Lord Jesus: There is so much talking going on within me. It seems that I am always involved in inner debates with myself, my friends, my opponents, my colleagues, and my rivals…. These arguments show my insecurity….and my need for being recognized and receiving attention. You, O Lord, will give me all the attention I need if I would simply stop talking and start listening to you. I know that in the silence of my heart you will speak to me and show me your love.”