By Bongiwe Ncube, a sophomore molecular biology/biochemistry major from Goshen
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9 (NRSV)
God is calling out to a bustling market square, calling out to a people who are frenzied by the hectic nature of their business, hustling to make ends meet and bargaining to make the best of what appear to be good deals. Yet these people are oblivious to the best deal: the superiority of aged, fine wine, the comfort of nutrient-rich milk and the abundance of life-giving water to quench their thirsty souls, all at no price!
People do not see this and do not know, they labor in vain, eat of the work of their hands and at times faint to death for lack of knowledge, and because their own works cannot sustain them. But God calls for our attention so that we may listen to Him, so that we may seek Him, so that we may know Him and find the assured pleasures at His right hand (Psalm 16:11). Perhaps investing our attention in God means budgeting our attention, diversifying our investment portfolios to include God in our busy schedules, slashing all the expenses on our time and energy that prevent us from seeking God’s Presence. And yes, seeking God suddenly sounds like more labor, but we are assured that partnering with God in this way means that we labor for the food that endures to eternity (John 6:27). The value of this reward is far greater than what we could earn (Titus 3:5).
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9 (NRSV)
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
6Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.