The Cost of Free

If it’s free, it must be priceless – What if something was so valuable you had to give it away.  Our main Scripture for today comes from Isaiah 55. Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor for what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare!

Why spend so much energy on something that will not satisfy? You’ve been out to eat before where you have been waiting to go to a specific restaurant and/or to have a certain dish. You’ve thought about it all day. That evening you get to go. You know exactly what you want. You tell the waiter when he comes to take your drink order. You don’t need time to think about it. You don’t even have to look at the menu. You KNOW what you want.

The server brings it to your table and you dig in. However, there seems to be a problem. Somehow, this just doesn’t hit the spot. How can this be? This is what you’ve been waiting for! What went wrong? You can tell it is prepared right. There isn’t anything wrong with the way it’s been fixed. It tastes exactly the way it has in the past. It just isn’t what you really wanted. Why would you spend money on something that doesn’t bring any satisfaction?

Isaiah calls to the people to come for more than the essentials of life. He calls them to fill themselves with something that will last. He calls them to recognize that God offers them something more than survivalist rations.

Isaiah asks, “Are you thirsty?” “Are you hungry?” Don’t settle for rice cakes. God offers so much more. God calls you to a feast.

“We are not prepared for something so grand,” you say. “We are afraid we will be expected to cover the expense when the check comes!” No money! No problem!

This is not a case of you get what you pay for. This is milk and wine. “Listen to me,” Isaiah cries. “Don’t chase after the worthless things that only take the edge of your “hunger” for a moment.  No, eat what is good. We have real food that offers real satisfaction!”

Our God prepares a wonderful feast. You have your invitation. Why would you possibly delay in coming!                                       

Pastor Craig