Is "I Did it My Way" the Way to Go? (Isaiah 54,55)

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Frank Sinatra's theme song "I did it my way" appeals to and rings true for so many. But what is the outcome of those who did it their way? Isaiah speaks of a way that is higher.

Sing, Enlarge, Stretch Out, Don't Hold Back (Isa 54:1-3)

Though in exile and dispersion (barren) because of their rebellion against God, they should sing, enlarge, stretch out, lengthen, spread abroad (Isa 54:1-3), for God promises to accomplish his purpose in the future (Gen 22:17; 28:14; Ex 34:24; Dt 9:1; 11:23).

Fear Not, Your Maker is your Husband, Redeemer (Isa 54:4-10)

"Fear not" (Isa 54:4), or "Do not be afraid," is repeated 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year. God loves us, not because we are good, but because of who he is: Husband, Redeemer (Isa 54:5). God's love for us is not dependent on us, for we are like a wayward wife (Isa 54:6). Though God disciplines us in his wrath for a brief moment, his steadfast unfailing love is far, far greater (Isa 54:7-10).

God Establishes His People in Righteousness (Isa 54:11-17)

Unlike their tragic past record of sin and rebellion, their future is bright only because God assures them that his grace will guarantee their allegiance to his word (Isa 54:13; 50:4,5; Jer 31:31-34). God would establish them in righteousness and vindicate them (Isa 54:14,17).

Come, All who Thirst, Seek the Lord (Isa 55:1-13)

The invitation, "Come" (Isa 55:1), is urgent in tone and universal in scope. Thirst is every man's deep spiritual longing and opportunity to "seek the Lord while he may be found" (Isa 55:6). Nothing in the world can ever truly satisfy a man (Isa 55:2; Jn 6:32-35). No man can ever figure life out, because his ways and his thoughts are too limited (Isa 55:7-9; 64:6). Only God's revealed word truly liberates and illuminates man (40:6-8; Ezek 37:1-14; 1 Cor 2:9; Eph 3:20; Rom 11:33), and gives man joy and peace (Isa 55:10-13).

Practical Application: If you feel unfulfilled, are you not looking for love in all the wrong places?

Think and Remember: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa 55:8,9).

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