Title: Thirst-Quenching Worship
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Isaiah 55
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,
because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
“For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall make a name for the LORD,
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (ESV)
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In "Thirst-Quenching Worship," Jed Gillis explores Isaiah 55, emphasizing God's invitation to find true satisfaction in Him. The passage begins with a call to everyone who thirsts, urging them to come and drink freely of God's provision. This metaphor of nourishment highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment in earthly pursuits that ultimately leave us empty. God offers an everlasting covenant, promising abundant pardon and compassion for those who seek Him.
Gillis underscores that every human innately seeks satisfaction and assigns ultimate value to something, essentially making everyone a worshipper. The key question is whether we pursue satisfaction in things that truly fulfill us or exhaust ourselves chasing temporary fixes.
God's invitation through Isaiah isn't just about survival but delighting in rich, soul-satisfying "food." This divine generosity stems from God's self-sufficiency; He needs nothing from us but offers everything freely. Gillis points out that our attempts to bring self-righteousness, good works, or intelligence as currency for divine favor are futile. Instead, we must come with a dependent thirst, acknowledging our need for God.
The sermon also highlights the urgency of responding to God's invitation while it stands open. Ignoring this call risks missing out on the profound joy and peace that only God can provide. Gillis explains that this grace comes through Jesus Christ and His Word, which accomplishes God's purpose like rain nourishing the earth.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
