For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Is. 54
After Noah passed through the flood waters, God promised never to flood the earth again. Now God makes a new but similar promise through Isaiah. God said that in the same way He swore to Noah, “…so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. Though the mountains move and the hills shake, my love will not be removed from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken” (Is. 54:9b-10).
This promise is for those who, like Noah, have passed through the waters of baptism, moving from death in themselves to life in Christ. The waters of baptism, of course, are merely symbolic. It is our obedient surrender to Christ and our acceptance of His provision for reconciliation with God that saves us. But once we genuinely take that step, God closes the door behind us and brings us into a relationship of love with Him. It is a love that can never be shaken and a covenant that can never be broken.
Is. 55-56
God’s forgiveness and redemption are free. However following Jesus comes at a cost in that it requires you to let go of everything else. The reason you need to let go of it all, though, is because all of it multiplied 1000 times could not even begin to purchase what God freely gives. This is why trying to purchase, or earn it undermines the gift. It cheapens it; makes it worthless. As Paul said, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Gal. 2:21).
Isaiah puts it this way: “Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.” (Is. 55:7). Even to foreigners he said, “…everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain” (Is. 56:6b-7a). God’s Sabbath is His rest, the letting go of our own efforts. So there, once again, is our choice. We can lay down our own ‘capital’ – our own efforts at righteousness – and freely receive God’s compassion. Or we can try to do things our way and earn His wrathful judgment. Whether Jew or Gentile, there is no other option.