Come those who are thirsty!

Ho!

That's how the Isaiah 55.1-5 lesson begins.  It is an archaic Hebrew expression that we can translate  Listen Up! 

Listen up all you who are thirsty - come to the waters
You who have no money - come, buy and eat.
Come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Well, I've never been to this market, where hawkers stand by their booths to grab your attention and then invite you in to take what you need with no need of payment.  If some one has directions, let me know.

You read it right.  This is an invitation to come in (not exactly sure where this 'in' is) and take all that you need to sustain you and don't worry about payment.  First, it is directed at folks who are thirsty.......in need, searching for something to quench their thirst and keep them alive.  So the one inviting them in is not trying to curry favor; no, it is the neediest who are almost pressured to come in and enjoy the hospitality of water, wine, break and milk.


Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?


Oops, now we know why these needy folks have no money - they have wasted it on stuff, needless stuff, stuff that in the end will pass away and leave them thirsty once more.  In two verses, Isaiah has accomplished a 'down to earth' description of grace (verse 1) which we call Gospel; and a description of our choices that make us uncomfortable and lead us to confession (verse 2) which we call Law.

Then the author wants us to think back to King David, who is presented as a great leader, defender and witness of God's.  This is not the truth according to the accounts in Chronicles and Kings.  So the writer is expanding the truth to present another truth - that the covenant God made with David (your descendent will always sit on the throne) now moves away from David the person, to the people of Israel.  It is a promise of God's steadfastness to Israel.

But is NOT for the sake of Israel - it is not done to make them look good.  It is so that glory may accumulate to God.  It is for God's sake that God does this.....and continues to do this.....Come all who are thirsty and hungry.  I will give you what will satisfy you.

So, what can we do with that word satisfy?
Does the advertising all around us lead us to places which in the end do not satisfy?
What exactly are we looking for?  Love?  Protection?  Worth as a human being?  Meaning to our days?
God invites us into his house.  God has the water which will satisfy our thirst, not just once, but forever.  I think this was the same point Jesus was making to the Samaritan woman at the well.  (John 4)  If we can find a place where our thirst is always, guaranteed to be satisfied....will be stick around to here what else the owner of the house has to say?

What are you thirsty for?  Have you found it yet?