The verse “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” comes from Isaiah 55:2 in the Bible. This verse speaks to a spiritual truth that is just as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel when Isaiah first penned these words.
In its immediate context, this verse is calling out the people of Israel for wasting their efforts pursuing things that don’t ultimately satisfy. They labor and spend their money on temporary pleasures or material possessions that leave them empty inside. Isaiah warns them that they are chasing after the wrong things.
Instead, they should “listen diligently” and “incline their ear” to the free gift of salvation that God offers (Isaiah 55:3). If they turn to the Lord, He promises to make an “everlasting covenant” with them, full of “the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:3). This covenant was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah descended from David’s line.
So in essence, Isaiah 55:2 speaks of the folly of spending our resources chasing fleeting pleasures and possessions, rather than pursuing the eternal blessings found in Christ. The verse implies that real satisfaction can only be found in a right relationship with God, not in the things of this world.
As the people of God today, this verse continues to warn us against materialism, consumerism, and worldliness. It calls us to properly prioritize our time, energy, and money around eternal rewards rather than temporary gratification. Practically speaking, what are some modern applications of this verse?
1) Evaluate your spending habits. Take an honest look at where your money goes. Do you spend more on entertainment, dining out, hobbies, travel or possessions than you give to the work of the Lord? Are you consuming more than you are creating or contributing? Isaiah warns us not to waste money and effort on things that don’t ultimately satisfy.
2) Guard against greed and discontentment. Isaiah ties spending money on the wrong things with the pursuit of “that which is not bread.” This implies a greedy discontentment with God’s provision. We must fight materialism and greed in our hearts daily. Trust that God will provide what you truly need.
3) Invest in eternal rewards. Instead of spending everything on yourself, intentionally use your resources to advance God’s kingdom. Give generously to your local church, ministries making disciples, and those in need. Be open to how God may be calling you to invest your time and abilities in kingdom work as well.
4) Find true satisfaction in Christ. Look to Jesus to be your “bread of life” that truly satisfies (John 6:35). Set your mind on heavenly things rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Understand that worldly pleasures are fleeting, but “fullness of joy” is found in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).
5) Share the gospel. Part of Isaiah’s warning dealt with the fact that Israel was ignoring God’s free gift of salvation. We too must not keep Jesus to ourselves. Be bold to share the good news of eternal life found in Christ, both in word and deed.
In summary, Isaiah 55:2 reminds us that only Jesus can provide lasting fulfillment. Don’t waste your life chasing after the temporary things of this world. Instead, find your satisfaction in Christ and make your priorities align with storing up eternal treasures rather than earthly ones. Evaluate where you are spending your time and money. Invest your resources in kingdom priorities and share the free gift of salvation with others.
1. Don’t Waste Money on Fleeting Pleasures
One clear application of Isaiah 55:2 is to avoid wasting money on fleeting pleasures that don’t satisfy. This could include things like:
– Lavish food and drink that go beyond reasonable provision. Isaiah condemned those spending money on that which was “not bread.”
– Constant entertainment and recreation that distracts from higher purposes. The ancient Israelites were guilty of trivial pursuits without meaning.
– Needless shopping and impulse purchases that only provide momentary happiness. The “retail therapy” mentality is a modern expression of short-lived satisfaction.
– Vices and addictions that control us. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and pornography promise satisfaction but lead to spiritual emptiness.
– Lavish vacations and amenities that only indulge the flesh. God desires us to be refreshed in Him, not simply pampered in luxury.
Of course, occasional enjoyment of God’s blessings is wonderful. But consistent overspending on fleeting pleasures at the expense of obeying Christ’s command to love others and make disciples is spiritually dangerous. We can subtly replace Jesus with comfort and indulgence.
Evaluate spending habits prayerfully. Are you finding your identity and security in Christ or in a lifestyle? Be willing to make sacrificial adjustments in order to have resources to invest in eternal rewards. May our money be spent on “bread” that truly nourishes our souls, not just temporary pleasures.
2. Avoid Materialism and Discontentment
Isaiah ties spending money on fleeting pleasures with a greedy discontentment with God’s provision. Trying to find meaning through materialism always leaves one dissatisfied.
Materialism and greed manifest themselves in many ways:
– Always desiring a bigger house, newer car, or latest technology. Never content, like an unquenched thirst.
– Envying the possessions and lifestyle of other people. The advertising world feeds feelings of inadequacy.
– Stockpiling and hoarding money and possessions. The more we acquire, the more we tend to grip it tightly.
– Making an idol out of retirement and future security. Being unable to generously give now because we don’t think we have enough yet.
– Judging our worth by what we have. Identity gets subtly tied to nice things and full bank accounts.
The antidote to discontentment is developing an eternal perspective and trusting in God’s provision. We must fight materialism and greed daily. May we find our contentment in Christ alone. He is enough. As we do this, generosity and open hands with earthly resources will follow.
3. Invest in Eternal Rewards
Rather than spending everything on ourselves, Isaiah 55:2 compels us to intentionally use resources to advance God’s kingdom. Some ways we can invest in eternal rewards:
– Generous, sacrificial giving to our local church. This enables life-giving ministry to happen.
– Giving to parachurch ministries making disciples globally in Jesus’ name.
– Supporting missionaries spreading the gospel in difficult places.
– Meeting the practical needs of the poor and vulnerable. Serving “the least of these” demonstrates Christ’s love.
– Sharing the gospel of Jesus with our own spheres of influence. Both through words and selfless deeds.
– Making our churches a house of prayer for all nations. Attending prayer meetings.
– Volunteering time and abilities to serve the church. Using gifts to build up the body of Christ.
– Opening home to foster children or adopting. Caring for orphans and widows in their distress.
– Thoughtful stewardship and care for the creation God has given us. Being stewards of the earth’s resources.
As Jesus said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” May we live intentionally for the reward that will last.
4. Find Satisfaction in Christ
Isaiah points his readers to finding ultimate satisfaction in God alone. Today, Jesus invites us to come to him for soul rest and fulfillment that the world cannot provide. Some ways we keep Christ as our true “bread of life”:
– Spend regular time feasting on Scripture. God’s word nourishes our inner person. It also renews our minds to value eternal things.
– Pray without ceasing. Come to Jesus constantly in prayer about everything. Cast your cares on him.
– Worship from the heart. Whether corporately or privately, maintain a heart of praise for who God is.
– Obey God’s commands. Jesus said those who love him obey his commands. Hear and follow his teachings.
– Take up your cross daily. Die to worldly patterns of thinking and behavior. Fix eyes on Jesus continually.
– Set mind on heaven. Develop an eternal perspective about life and invest in the world to come.
– Find joy in the Lord. The fruit of staying connected to Jesus is supernatural joy that circumstances cannot take away.
May our appetite for fleeting worldly pleasures diminish as we feast on the endless delights found in Christ’s presence. He alone can satisfy our deepest longings.
5. Share the Gospel of Jesus
Part of Isaiah’s warning dealt with the fact that Israel was ignoring God’s gift of salvation. They thought they could find lasting meaning through possessions and pleasure.
Today, over 2 billion people still haven’t heard the good news of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Tragically, many are trying to find purpose and satisfaction through material things, false religions and philosophies.
Isaiah 55 makes clear God offers the gift of salvation freely to all. But believers have the responsibility to share this message with the nations. Some ways we can share the living water and bread of life with the spiritually thirsty and hungry:
– Tell family and friends about what Jesus has done in your life. Share your testimony.
– Invite someone to church or a Christian event where they can hear the gospel.
– Learn to clearly present the message of salvation through faith in Christ’s work on the cross.
– Share Jesus’ love through acts of service. Let your light shine.
– Support missionaries reaching unreached people groups in other cultures.
– Learn about and pray for the persecuted church around the world.
– Share with gentleness and grace. Let the Holy Spirit lead conversations.
– Make your church a welcoming place for seekers and newcomers.
– Utilize technology and social media to creatively spread the gospel.
– Go to the nations yourself long-term or short-term if God is calling you.
Don’t keep the hope of Jesus to yourself. The world desperately needs him. Be bold to share the bread of life so others can find true satisfaction.
6. Focus on Eternal Priorities
Isaiah 55:2 reminds us not to waste our resources and efforts on things that don’t ultimately satisfy or align with God’s eternal kingdom.
This requires careful examination of priorities and intentional focus to live for what lasts. Here are some areas where we need to fight drifting into the temporal and realign with the eternal:
Finances – Generous giving should be built into budgets. Evaluate spending patterns.
Time – Are we overcommitted to activities that simply keep us busy? Schedule in spiritual disciplines.
Relationships – Do friendships encourage holy living or distract from God’s purposes?
Work/calling – Are we working for things that perish or things tied to God’s kingdom?
Possessions – Avoid accumulating things for selfish gain. Hold material things loosely.
Entertainment – Be vigilant about what is shaping mind and heart through technology.
Hobbies – Are passionate pursuits pointing us to God or becoming idols? Stay balanced.
Witnessing – Look for open doors to share Christ’s love with others.
Church – Is it a spiritual greenhouse where I’m growing in Christ-likeness?
The constant pull in our culture is to build our life around comfort, leisure, and personal gain. But Isaiah calls us to swim against the stream. To embrace sacrifice. To center on the eternal. May the Holy Spirit give us wisdom and strength.
7. Evaluate Your Spending Habits
A practical application of Isaiah 55:2 is to carefully evaluate where our money goes. Ask God to search your heart and life patterns:
– What percentage of your income goes to needs vs. wants? Have you defined “needs” too broadly?
– Are you spending within your means or going into debt for extra comforts now at the expense of later?
– Do leisure and entertainment dominate budgets? Have you set healthy limits?
– How much are you giving to advance God’s work? Is it sacrificial generosity?
– Are you hoarding and clinging to money out of fear and discontentment?
– Are you trapped in keeping up with fashions, technology, recreation expenses of those around you?
– Are you wasting money on vices like alcohol, tobacco or gambling that promise satisfaction but destroy?
– Could simplifying aspects of your lifestyle free up resources for eternal investments? Are possessions becoming distractions?
– Does your family thoughtfully discuss biblical stewardship principles together? Are you modelling generosity?
As Isaiah 55:2 reminds us, the way we handle money reveals much about the spiritual condition of our hearts. It’s important we evaluate spending periodically so patterns reflect our desire to love God first and build up his eternal kingdom.
8. Find Fulfillment in Jesus Above All
Isaiah warns against looking to money, possessions, pleasure, or worldly success for purpose and satisfaction. But where should we turn for soul fulfillment? How do we access the eternal “bread” that deeply nourishes?
Jesus makes clear that finding ultimate spiritual fulfillment starts with seeking him:
– “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Bring burdens and longings to him.
– “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) Feast on the nourishment only Christ provides.
– “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) As we delight in God, he changes our desires to align with his perfect will.
– “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) God promises to reveal himself to those pursuing him.
– “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Spiritual abundance surpasses anything this world offers.
So while culture shouts that possessions and pleasure bring happiness, Jesus gently urges us to seek fulfillment in relationship with him. He alone can truly satisfy the longings of our soul for purpose, hope, joy, inner peace, meaning. May we build our lives on Christ the solid rock.
9. Seek Heavenly Treasures, Not Earthly Ones
Throughout his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reiterates Isaiah’s warning not to spend ourselves on temporary things of this world:
– “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matt. 6:19-20)
– “You cannot serve God and money.” (Matt 6:24)
– “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or drink . . . But seek first the kingdom of God.” (Matt 6:25, 33)
– “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt 16:26)
Jesus makes clear we can only find lasting meaning and satisfaction in his eternal kingdom. To pursue ultimate fulfillment from the temporal is foolishness and vanity.
How do we seek heavenly treasures rather than build our lives around earthly ones?
– Orient life around Christ’s Lordship, not cultural patterns. Fix eyes on Jesus.
– View each day as sacred, not wasting time given by God. Be good stewards.
– Invest generously in gospel-centered ministries, not hoarding or indulging self.
– Build redemptive relationships that spur toward godliness, not worldliness.
– Work diligently as unto the Lord, not merely pursuing self-gain.
– Develop eternal perspective through immersing self in Scripture.
– Care for others and creation with servant heart, not exploiting for selfish ends.
– Find identity and security in Christ, not titles, achievements, possessions.
May the way we spend our time, abilities, resources testify that Jesus is enough. We want to store up treasures in heaven that will outlast this world.
10. Cultivate Generosity, Not Greed
Isaiah 55 reveals that the inclination of human hearts is often toward greed – clinging to money, possessions, comforts. But God desires us to have open hands – willing to part with earthly things for that which is eternal.
Cultivating generosity starts with acknowledging God’s lavish generosity to us. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
As recipients of unlimited grace, we are freed up to generously and cheerfully share what we’ve been given:
– Give financially to build God’s kingdom and bless others, not hoarding or indulging self.
– Use time and abilities to serve church family and those in need around you.
– Share the gospel and your personal story of God’s work in your life.
– Open home to hospitality. Welcome strangers, foreigners, anyone in need of shelter.
– Care for the poor and marginalized. Don’t ignore plight of orphans, widows, immigrants.
– Mentor and disciple younger believers. Pass on a spiritual legacy.
– Release control over personal possessions. Allow others to borrow or use them.
– Look for creative ways to share Jesus’ love through words, service, gifts.
May the Holy Spirit produce increasing generosity in our lives as we recognize all we have comes from God! Freely we have received, freely we can give for God’s glory.