Pardon

Isaiah 55 is a surpassing text. God’s generous feast transcends our physical needs—He also speaks to our soul. What was dead can be restored and redeemed. “Come, everyone who thirsts” (Isaiah 55:1). When we recognize our need, we can come to the party. That God could be so gracious and inviting may not make sense because we don’t think as God thinks. His ways are powerful and great. Our ways are limited, minor and trivial in comparison. God’s word is potent and effective. I love this line too, “He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). Forgiveness is an important part of prayer. We are abundantly pardoned IF we make confession. However, God does not have a “pardon and parole board.” We aren’t on probation with the Lord. “If the son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Then we can bear witness to God’s goodness. As is said, “Grace is one beggar telling another where to find bread.” We find the bread of life in Jesus Christ, who is of the line of David.

The first of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses that launched the Protestant Reformation stated, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Matthew 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Each Sunday we say in our Communion liturgy: “We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Then we rejoice with these majestic words; “Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!”