Read: Isaiah 55
You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace. (v. 12)
I hope this series encourages your study and enjoyment of God’s Word. May you do so even more in the next year. Studying Scripture is not merely an academic exercise or a religious obligation; it’s a journey of intimacy with Jesus, God’s eternal Word made flesh for us and for our salvation. Isaiah 55 closes our year with an invitation and a promise.
The Lord invites, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!” (v. 1). This invitation is available to all people in all places who are hungry for God (vv. 4-5). It is also urgent. “Seek the LORD while he may be found” (v. 6). We don’t know when our life or this world will end, only that God is inviting us now. We don’t want to reject this invitation. The promises of what we’ll find exceed all expectations.
God promises compassion and to “abundantly pardon” (v. 7). The word from God’s mouth will be like rain and snow watering the earth (v. 10). “It shall not return to me empty,” he declares, “but it shall accomplish that which I purpose” (v. 11). God’s purpose is nothing less than joy! “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (v. 12). The Westminster Shorter Catechism celebrates this purpose of God as the goal of our lives: “To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” As you immerse yourself in God’s Word, may you enjoy him more and more.
As you pray, seek the Lord while he may be found.
About the Author
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.
