Verse of the Day (March 3, 2020)

Verse of the Day (March 3, 2020) #BMSeminary – We are often tempted to think we must clean ourselves up to be worthy of God’s concern. But that is to misunderstand God and his saving grace. In our desperate thirst and poverty God says, “Come, buy and eat!” (v. 1). And all is free—obtained “without money and without price” (v. 1). His bounteous goodness is only for those who resist the impulse to pay for it. His love and grace come to us not because we have been so good but because he has been so gracious. In light of the mercy secured for God’s people by “the arm of the Lord” (53:1), the call for repentance goes out. God’s invitation echoes through creation, calling us to seek, hear, and come to the Lord (55:2–11). As we behold God’s righteousness and are honest about our sin, we become able to experience his saving forgiveness. We turn to the Lord and forsake our unrighteous ways. Then we enter into the movement of divine generosity, proclaiming his grace and caring for others in need (v. 10; 2 Cor. 9:8–15). Here we find hope and a promise that this good news is meant for the whole world: “a nation that did not know you shall run to you” (Isa. 55:5). And now, as Christians who proclaim Christ crucified and risen (v. 3; cf. Acts 13:34), we go out to the ends of the world, proclaiming his name to all peoples and nations (cf. Ps. 48:10; 65:5–8; Isa. 24:16; Matt. 28:19–20). We go confident in God’s promise that when his word goes out, it never fails. It extends his praise across his creation (Isa. 55:11–13). (Gospel Transformation Study Bible)