Daily Bread

Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labour on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.

Every time I read some of the prophet Isaiah I think to myself that I must delve into this book more! It's full of absolute gems, and today's poetic excerpt is one of them!

When I read or hear this passage I love how God calls us to come and receive God's free gift of life. Jesus aligned himself with the suffering servant found in Isaiah and it is no wonder that he drew on themes from the prophet with phrases such as, "If anyone thirsts, let them come to me and drink," and, "I am the bread of life," and, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," and, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden."

The parallels between the words of Jesus and the words of the prophet Isaiah are astonishing and it is no coincidence. Jesus literally embodied the call or 'word' of God spoken by the prophet. Jesus was the written word manifest in bodily form. He was and is the living word.

We all long to be satisfied. We all want be filled with good things. We are all thirsty for life in all its fulness, and the answer is to come to Jesus, therefore, today, may we do as God asks, 'give ear' and listen, and come to Jesus that we might live.

Holy God
Thank you that I can find
life in all its fulness through
your Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ.
When I look to this world
to find fulfilment and satisfaction;
when I spend my time and effort
on that which leaves me spiritually wanting;
may I hear the call of your voice,
take heed, and turn back to you to,
for you are all I will ever need and want.