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“Come to… ME.”

When the prophets called for wayward Israel to turn away from her sin and idolatry, it was always in terms of returning to God himself.  Breaking covenant with him was the real crime.  Repairing that covenant was real repentance.  So here Jesus calls people to himself.

The prophets also promised that when Israel did return to the Lord she would be refreshed by his presence.  Whatever pain, sorrow, or trouble they were experiencing because of their sins, the Lord would wash it all away.  He would deliver them from the consequences of their rebellion; heal them of self-inflicted wounds; and revive them from the despondency of distance from God.  The demand for repentance was always coupled with an invitation to revival.

“Ho!  Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and you who have no money come, buy and eat.  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.  Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.  Incline your ear and come to me.  Listen, that you may live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David…” (Isa 55:1-3).

“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jer 6:16).

Repentance = Coming to Jesus = Rest = Revival. Pretty cool. See you tomorrow.