No Matter How Much Wickedness People Commit, The Lord Still Reaches Out to Them, Encouraging Them to Seek Him.

The Second Invitation to Seek the Lord Is a Warning That People Can Wait Too Long.

⁶Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call upon him now while he is near. ⁷Let men cast off their wicked deeds; let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy upon them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon! ⁸This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! ⁹For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.

¹⁰As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, ¹¹so also is my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it. ¹²You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills, the trees of the field—all the world around you—will rejoice. ¹³Where once were thorns, fir trees will grow; where briars grew, the myrtle trees will sprout up. This miracle will make the Lord’s name very great and be an everlasting sign of God’s power and love.^c[1](Isaiah 55:6–13)

 

The Second Invitation Is a Strong Imperative to Seek the Lord.

To seek means to look for and search for, inquire about, investigate, pursue, and strive after. It also means to plead and cry for something to the point of struggling. Only a person who senses a deep need will seek the Lord with such urgency. And this is exactly the objective of God’s invitation. There is an urgent need for every human being to seek the Lord. 

A. This Second Invitation Includes a Warning: People Can Wait Too Long.

They fail to seek the Lord while He is near and still can be found. Opportunities are not always available to seek the Lord. Throughout the day, people’s minds have to be focused on their work and other duties. A far greater opportunity to seek the Lord is found in the quietness of one’s home or in the setting of the church. It is far easier to sense the Lord’s presence in a quiet atmosphere than in the hustle and bustle of noisy surroundings. It is also not always easy for people to find God. People can harden their hearts to such a degree that they feel God is far off, completely out of reach. Add the fact that people are creatures of conditioning, which means the more they misbehave, the more acceptable their sinful behavior appears. For example, if people repeatedly commit immoral acts, their consciences can become dead, insensitive to sin. In that frame of mind, they will naturally not seek the Lord as readily as they would if their hearts were not hardened but instead were open and sensitive to God. More important, God will have nothing to do with sinful behavior. He is holy and cannot look upon sin; therefore, if people continue in their sinful ways, the Lord is forced to withdraw His presence. Thus, God gives this strong exhortation: “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” Do not wait too long. Do not wait until your heart becomes hard and insensitive to the convictions of God’s Spirit. God’s warning is clear, and it is directed to the entire human race: Do not wait until it is too late. 

V  “And the Lord said, my spirit shall not always strive with man” (Ge. 6:3).

V  “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile” (Ro. 2:5–9).

V  “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (He. 3:12–13).

V  “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Pr. 29:1).

V  “Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief” (Pr. 28:14). 

B. Those Invited to Seek the Lord Are the Wicked of The Earth (V. 7).

No matter how much wickedness people commit, the Lord still reaches out to them, encouraging them to seek Him. What is involved in seeking? Repentance. Simply and plainly, repentance means to forsake an evil way of life to turn to the Lord. People who truly repent turn away from their wicked behavior, banish evil thoughts from their minds, and turn to the Lord. They believe Him and obey His commandments. When people truly repent, the Lord has mercy upon them and forgives their sins. They are freely, abundantly pardoned. 

V  “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ep. 1:17).

V  “But after that, the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Tit. 3:4–7).

V  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9). 

C. The Need to Seek the Lord Is Urgent, For God’s Thoughts and Ways Are Far Beyond Our Comprehension (Vv. 8–9).

God is holy and dwells in perfection, and no one could ever come close to understanding His ways. Why would God create the world and then allow sin to cause so much devastation and the death of every human being? The answers to this question and so many more are partially revealed in Scripture, but only partially. God’s thoughts and ways are perfect and righteous, far beyond our understanding. On the other hand, our thoughts and ways are blemished, imperfect, wicked, and simplistic. Therefore, we must never try to “second-guess” God.¹ Although many people try to diminish God’s image into nothing more than a super-man, a person whose thoughts and ways are only a little above man’s, nothing could be further from the truth. God’s thoughts and ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. Imagine the incomprehensible distance between the highest star in existence and the earth. God’s thoughts and ways exceed man’s by a far greater distance than even that because He created the highest star. God clearly does not think or act as we do. Although Scripture does not give us complete answers to all questions, it does give us enough information to enable us to trust God and to know right from wrong. Through the truths revealed in Scripture, we can know much about God, and we can have the assurance that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Therefore, when God extends to people the invitation to seek Him, people must seek Him. The Lord knows that the issue involves life and death, an eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. But it is up to every individual to accept or reject Him. 

V  “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Ro. 11:32–36).

V  “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints” (Re. 15:3). 

D. What Will Stir the Wicked to Repent of Their Sins and Return to The Lord for Salvation? God’s Word (Vv. 10–11).

God’s Holy Word is the point of contact between Him and the people of earth. Without the Word of God, people would have no way to know the Lord. If the Holy Bible did not exist, the Lord would have to personally appear or verbally speak out in order to communicate with people. But by giving us the Holy Bible, the Lord has given us continued access to what He wishes to teach us. It is the Word of God that convicts the wicked of their sins and stirs them to repent. It is the Word of God that tells people to cleanse their minds of evil thoughts and correct their wicked behavior. Note what Scripture says: God’s Word is as powerful as the rain and snow that water the earth and causes the seed to grow (v. 10). God’s Word will not return to Him empty. His Word will bear fruit and will accomplish His purpose. It will convict sinners, lead them to Christ, and instruct them in the way of righteousness. 

V  “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Mt. 24:35).

V  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16).

V  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Ti. 2:15).

V  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Ti. 3:16).

V  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (He. 4:12).

V  “But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pe. 1:25).

V  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pe. 2:2–3).

V  “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pe. 1:19–21).

V  “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.… Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:9, 11).

V  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105).

V  “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Ps. 119:130). 

E. The Results of Seeking the Lord Show What Great Things God Does for His People.

When God set His people free from the Babylonian captivity, He made three wonderful promises to them, promises that are applicable to believers of all generations (Vv. 12–13). 

1)      The people who were set free—repentant sinners—would live in joy and peace (v. 12). Their new life would begin as soon as they were released from their captivity, and it would continue on throughout their lives. A sense of fullness—inner joy and inner peace—would continually flood the hearts of faithful, obedient believers. 

V  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).

V  “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (Jn. 15:11).

V  “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (Jn. 16:24).

V  “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33).

V  “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (Jn. 17:3).

V  “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Ro. 14:17).

V  “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Ph. 4:6–7).

V  “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Pe. 1:6–9).

V  “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace” (Ps. 29:11).

V  “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Ps. 119:165).

V  “Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Is. 12:3).

V  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Is. 26:3).

V  “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea” (Is. 48:18). 

2)      The repentant sinners were also given the wonderful promise of a great future, a time when the earth would be transformed, made perfect (Vv. 12–13a). This is a clear prophecy of the Messianic kingdom, the kingdom that Christ will establish on earth when He returns. On that day, all nature will rejoice, for the creation will be delivered from its corruption, its struggle, and its suffering (Ro. 8:18–27). All thorns will be removed from the earth and all vegetation will become fruitful, producing its maximum capacity. There will be a new earth, as well as a new heaven. 

V  “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you” (2 Pe. 2:10–13).

V  “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea” (Re. 21:1).

V  “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever” (Re. 22:3–5).

V  “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Is. 65:17).

V  “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain” (Is. 66:22). 

3)      The transformation of the universe will be for the purpose of honoring the Lord (v. 13). It will be a sign of God’s wonderful love for His people and of His great power that works for the good of His people. 

V  “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro. 15:5–6).

V  “Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready” (Re. 19:7).

V  “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Ps. 29:2).

V  “O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together” (Ps. 34:3).

V  “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth” (Ps. 57:5).

V  “Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people and praise him in the assembly of the elders” (Ps. 107:32).

V  “O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Is. 25:1).^[2] 

Our Prayer of Thanks for Your Invitation to Seek You Lord

Especially for Your Mercy for the Multiple Times,

You Call Us to You and for Your Provision Meeting our Needs. 

Father God, we thank You that You allow us to look for and find You. We thank and praise You that we can call on You when You are near to us. Father God, help us to cast off our sinful wicked deeds, those things in our minds that we dwell upon that lead us astray. Help us to think about those things that are pleasing to You and not to our sinful desires. Father God, we thank You and praise You that You will pardon us and have mercy on us when we turn to You truly repenting of our sinful ways. We know and understand that Your plans and thoughts are different from ours. We know and understand that we could never think pure thoughts as do You. We know and understand that we are sinful people in need of Your sustaining grace poured down from Your throne in Heaven to continue life. We need You, Lord. We cannot live one moment without Your love poured out upon us. Father God, we praise and thank You that You meet our daily needs and an overflowing abundance. Father God, because of Your sustaining, we have joy and peace and because of the beauty of Your creation, we can enjoy this life even more than we deserve. Father God, again, we thank You for your grace and the opportunity to come to You bowing down in hearts and minds worshipping You for all You have done, are doing, and will do for us, Your children. May we honor You with our lives in obedience to Your revealed will for our lives.

In You Son’s name Christ Jesus, we pray this, Amen

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^c 55:13  of God’s power and love, implied.

^[1] Taylor, Kenneth Nathaniel. 1997. The Living Bible, Paraphrased. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House.

¹ Warren W. Wiersbe. Be Comforted, p. 147.

^[2] Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 2005. Isaiah: Chapters 36–66. Vol. II. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.