Isaiah 55

1. Background:

Just after the description of Jehovah’s suffering servant (Chapter 53), we have His invitation into the covenant He will establish (v3). This invitation comes at time when Israel is being warned of a coming exile and judgment for rejecting God. Although, Israel will be judge, yet salvation will be available for those who desire God. These verses will give hope to those who trust in His name while they press through a dark time.

2. What Can We Observe About God?

God wants to bring honor to His name through His incredible goodness.

God’s incredible goodness begins with an invitation from the one who suffered greatly at the hands of men to free us from transgressions. ( v1 cf. Isaiah 53:8)

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Verse 1

This servant who will suffer so greatly for the benefit of others stands to earn nothing in compensation for His sacrifice. The sinners in which He died for are so intwined with their own idols and wasteful lifestyles. As He invites us, He patiently pleas for us to see reason and abandon what cannot satisfy our souls.

“Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?”

Verse 2

The invitation comes with the only condition to submit to His authority and answer His “call”.

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live.”

Verse 3a

To accept the Servant’s invitation, one must acknowledge his sin and repent towards the Lord. Such a person is guaranteed by the covenant promise to receive forgiveness and grace freely.

“Let the wicked forsake his way,And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Verse 7

For it is an invitation into a covenant the He presides over. This covenant He invites His people into is fashioned after the covenant He made with David. Although David, or his descendants may do something to incur God’s anger, still God will not remove His unfailing promise. God is extending an invitation to an underserving people and giving them undeserving love and security.

“And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David.”

Verse 3b

The time to answer His invitation is limited, subjectively and objectively. Objectively, because He will choose a time to judge the world and fulfill the promise in bringing His kingdom. Subjectively, because an individuals opportunity to repent today may not be available tomorrow. We wisely choose to heed His voice as early as possible.

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, Call ye upon him while he is near.”

Verse 6

Submitting and repent is a natural and appropriate response to the one whose goodness is far superior to our own. If we thought we could lead a better life without Him, then repentance and obedience would not make much sense. But God’s goodness far outstrips anything would could think for ourselves.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Verse 8-9

He accomplishes his will for us by the power of His word and thus His promises are sure and able to be relied on.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Verse 11

All those who rest in His promises experience a joy that cannot be stolen from them.

“For ye shall go out with joy, And be led forth with peace.”

Verse 12a

His goodness will be His reputation and an eternal token of His love over us.

“…And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

Verse 13b

3. How does this passage point to Jesus and the Gospel?

The suffering servant of Isaiah flows seamlessly into the person of Jesus Christ. His unfailing love and covenant was fulfilled and inaugurated through His death and resurrection. The invitation is the great commission given to His disciples to bring it to all people of the world. We now make ourselves busy about making people aware of His invitation at the cost of our service, like the serve Christ made for us on the cross.

Perhaps the closest allusion in the New Testament that connects Jesus with the invitation of this passage is Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

4. Application:

Have you accepted His invitation? Do you think you will receive a better offer? Do you believe God when He says His thoughts are higher than ours? If so, is it so difficult to trust Him and submit to His authority?

Give Him praise for His name is beautiful! His goodness is eternal and His promises are unchangeable. We have no need to fear the terrors of this world knowing His promises make sure our life in Him.