I once heard a speech by a man who said he spent the best years of his life climbing the ladder of success only to find it was leaning against the wrong wall. Many of us understand that sentiment. I work and work for something and once I grasp it, it fails to satisfy for very long. Then I start again. Such is the way of strivers.

But the Lord offers an alternative wall upon which I might lean my ladder:

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.

I enjoy meeting goals and accomplishing tasks, and I like to work hard. But instead of hollowness at the end of my endeavors, the Lord promises hearty fare for my soul. It costs me nothing, except perhaps my pride.

Such a wonderful invitation. I can enjoy the Lord’s bounty without pedigree, skill, résumé, or even a dime to my name. God summons us to enjoy his goodness. You and I will be happy we leaned our ladder against his wall.

Isaiah 55 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Lance Grandahl