Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
We're moving into that time of year, "the most wonderful time of the year" when we begin to dream of getting free stuff. Want some? In just about two months most of us will get free things. At least they kind of seem free.
If we think about the exchange rate, we might wonder. But I'm hoping to score some new black socks, maybe a nice bottle of something drinkable, and, if it works out really well, some rope and a tarp or two, because you can never have too much of that. All free! Never mind that we've been buying clothes, books, toys, and gadgets for people we care about. That doesn't matter. Why not? Because someone will give me black socks that I don't have to buy. Absolutely free!
What kind of gifts does God promise in Isaiah 55? Food and drink, that's always goody which we reeive God's redeeming love. I have no idea where to get that. But it's even more precious than my grandchildren washing the bottom half of one side of my car for me! God promises gifts that would motivate people to run to our nation (v. 5) to claim them. He gives us pardon (v. 7).
What does this cost God? He gives Jesus, God the Son. His only-begotten, so that we may have life. And if we give Him something in return, all we have to give is something He gave us in the first place. Yes, I'm talking about dirty, worn-out, black socks that are now grey and have holes in them.
God as described in the Bible does not think as we do (vv. 8-9). He gives us priceless gifts, all free to us. Why are people not breaking down the doors of the Church to ask for God's forgiveness and reconciliation? We don't understand how enormous those free gifts are. They cost Jesus his life. They are free to us. Thanks be to God!
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