Subscription Lists
Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (5 of 10)
Focus Text: Isaiah 55.1-7
Reconciliation is a beautiful and comforting word. It implies two or more parties who have been alienated in some way. It also speaks of willing hearts and minds that are intent on finding a solution to their problems.
In a context of spiritual matters, it speaks of restored fellowship between God and man. In an even larger religious context, reconciliation means salvation from eternal punishment. One who is familiar with the book of Isaiah might be surprised that the word reconciliation does not appear in any of its forms in the book. Yet, the careful student will quickly conclude that the concept of reconciliation is found throughout the book of Isaiah; in fact, reconciliation is a predominate theme throughout the book. We will note some Isaiah passages which demonstrate that Isaiah was a prophet and a peacemaker!
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land.’” (Isaiah 1.18-19).
“‘Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—The sure mercies of David. Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people.’ Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you. Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55.1-7).
Jesus pronounced blessings upon the peacemakers (Matthew 5.9) and certainly Isaiah was one of them. Perhaps he was not a model of the same timeframe as Jesus spoke, but he most certainly possessed the same spirit as those of whom Jesus spoke. The peace that Isaiah preached was the most important peace that one can imagine; it was the peace that exists between a penitent soul and his Maker. Isaiah sought man’s highest good and placed no value in facades of peace frequently sought by the world.
As followers of Christ, it is our duty to also seek the highest good of others! This means that our highest goal for any person (self included) is reconciliation with God and perpetual fellowship with Him. Isaiah predicted the coming of Messiah, the one through whom this reconciliation is possible; we warm by the fires that previous peacemakers such as Isaiah built!
Questions:
1. What is the definition of reconciliation?
2. In spiritual matters, who determines the terms of reconciliation?
3. What is the connection between reconciliation and salvation?
4. How is every faithful proclaimer of truth a peacemaker? Are all true Christians peacemakers? Why or why not?
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Today's Little Lift" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.