219. Rock Goes The Gospel - The Black Crowes "Could I Have Been So Blind"

Shake Your Money Maker is the debut album by the American rock band The Black Crowes, released in February 1990 on Def American Recordings. It is the only album by the band to feature guitarist Jeff Cease. The album is named after a classic blues song written by Elmore James. The Black Crowes have played the song live many times over the years, but it is not included on this album. Shake Your Money Maker peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200, and two of its singles, "Hard to Handle" and "She Talks to Angels", reached number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. "Jealous Again", "Twice As Hard" and "Seeing Things" were also charting singles in the US. "Could I have been so blind" is track 4. Shake Your Money Maker is the Black Crowes' best selling album, having sold more than 5 million copies.

How could I've been so blind
So empty that I've never felt warm
Can I spell it out
Turn myself out of my home
Lookin' like a fool
Feelin' even worse than it seems
Tryin' hard as nails
Believin' only in myself

And now it looks like innocence is gone
I know right and I know what's wrong
Feeling lonely that's the way it goes
Sometimes

But my greatest fear
Paint a smile from ear to ear
Alone and cryin'
Living like this is no better than dying

I tell you baby things are gonna' change
Looking like we were caught out in the rain
Feeling lonely
That's the way it goes
Sometimes

[Chorus:]

Could I ever have been so blind
Could I ever have been so blind
Could I ever have been so blind
Could I ever have been so blind

Solo
Could I ever have been so blind
Could I ever have been so blind

Hardest thing I ever had to do
Was stand up straight and tell it all to you
Look you right in the eye
Tell you baby sorry but I have lied

And now it looks like innocence is gone
I know right and I know what's wrong
Feeling lonely that's the way it goes
Sometimes

[Repeat Chorus 4 times]

The Black Crowes "Could I Have Been So Blind" is a song of astonishment. It's a song of regret and shame. We have all been there. We have al been blinded by one thing or another. We have allowed our hearts to ruke our heads, we have let the old ego get in the way. Even pride has come and offered us a way and we have taken it in our blindness. The scripture reading  in Luke 4 this morning is about spiritual blindness and the promise of sight.

The former North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il was well known for making some outrageous claims. In 2000 he claimed to have invented the ‘double bread with meat’ - or as we’ve known it for a lot longer, the burger. Another time, he claimed to have scored a massive 38 under par round of golf - the best Tiger Woods has ever managed is a measly 11 under par. Big claims, but ultimately false. How Blind, How Deluded.  Perhaps more believable, although not by much, are the claims that you might hear from the mouths of politicians. When election season swings around there are lots of claims made by the politicians, lots of promises about what they can do and will do. It’s only as time goes on that you see how they measure up to their words or weather just as you had guessed they become blind to the needs of others.

Our Bible reading today also contains a big claim, perhaps it might even seem unbelievable. It comes from the lips of Jesus in the last verse we read, verse 21: ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ For the rest of our time we’re going to think about these words to see what he’s claiming, and if we can believe his words.

The scene is the synagogue in Nazareth. This is the town Jesus grew up in, the place he was known best. Those gathered in the synagogue remember him from when he was wee, they’ve watched him grow up, they’ve maybe even hired him as a carpenter in the past. They’ve heard reports of his teaching and preaching around Galilee, and now here he is, back in Nazareth, in their synagogue on the Sabbath day. We’re told that it was his custom to go to synagogue - the place where the Jews would gather to pray and read the scriptures. He makes a priority to be with God’s people on the Sabbath. When it comes time for the reading, he’s given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, and begins to read from chapter 61:

Right there, he stops, rolls up the scroll, and sits down at the front, ready to teach. The eyes of everyone are on him, they’re ready and listening, waiting to hear what he will say. They could not have expected or predicted how he would start. Here’s what he says: ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’Let’s break it down. This scripture - these words of the prophet Isaiah were written about 700 years beforehand. Towards the end of Isaiah’s prophecy there are a series of ‘servant songs’. In these, the voice of the promised king is heard - the promises of who he is and what he will do. In Isaiah 53 we find the most famous of the servant songs, as the sufferings of the Messiah are spelled out. But in this one, from Isaiah 61, the Messiah, the Servant of the Lord declares that God’s Spirit is upon him, empowering him, having anointed him for action among other things to bring sight to the blind.

And what sight will he bring? He will bring good news to the poor - those without hope will be given hope. Those suffering in prison as prisoners of war will be released and freed. Those who are oppressed will go free. It’s freedom from suffering and sorrow. It’s the best kind of good news. And it’s all tied up in the Lord’s favour. How good it is to know that the Lord is for you, not against you. This is the news being proclaimed by the Spirit-anointed, Spirit-empowered King. This is the Scripture that has been read for seven hundred years... yet still they were waiting. This is the hope they clung to, even through exile and defeat and suffering. This is the scripture that gives hope to the hopeless. And in that synagogue on that day in Nazareth, ‘this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ Jesus says that the waiting is finished. Jesus says that the promise is now being fulfilled. No matter how many times before they had heard and hoped and longed for the Messiah to come; they need wait no longer. Sight has come, Blindness has been reversed.

Jesus sits and says the ‘me’ is ‘me’: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Jesus), because he has anointed me (Jesus) to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me (Jesus)...’ It’s no longer a puzzle to be worked out. He’s a person to welcomed. Now as we said at the start, perhaps this is just another big claim, maybe this is just another politician’s manifesto - says one thing, and then does another. But just trace through the rest of Luke - what Jesus sets out here, he accomplishes. Flick over to Luke 7:20. John the Baptist is in prison, and he wonders if Jesus really was the one promised. How does Jesus respond? ‘the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them.’ (Luke 7:22) The Old Testament points forward to Jesus. He fulfills the promises of God. So as we read the Old Testament, it’s all about Jesus. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:20 ‘For in him every one of God’s promises is a Yes.’

This Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. Jesus is filled with the Spirit to accomplish the work and promises of God to release those who are suffering and to bring freedom. This is the real vision of these verses. To people who walk in Darkness this is the real light for their blindness. We may well ask the question  (With the Black Crowes) when the light come "How could I have been so blind" 

218. Rock Goes The Gospel - Deep Purple "Love Conquers All"

Slaves and Masters is the thirteenth studio album by Deep Purple, and was released on 5 October 1990. This is the only Deep Purple album to feature former Rainbow lead vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, who joined the previous year. Before hiring Turner, the band had considered singer Jimi Jamison of Survivor, but other obligations made him unavailable. Following its release, Slaves and Masters peaked at No. 87 on the Billboard 200. The album dramatically sold below expectations, as compared to Deep Purple's previous album, The House of Blue Light with vocalist Ian Gillan, which charted at No. 34. Fans of Deep Purple's earlier efforts thought the vocal parts ended up being too melodic. Despite underwhelming album sales, Deep Purple had a relatively successful tour in support of Slaves and Masters in 1991, especially for the band's European leg. Turner was still a member of the group when they began recording their next album in 1992, but under duress from management, Deep Purple ultimately decided to bring back Ian Gillan to the line-up for their 1993 studio album The Battle Rages On... A handful of working tracks originally intended for the follow-up to Slaves and Masters would turn up on subsequent solo releases by Turner. "Love Conquers All" is the seventh track on side one of the album.

Feels like the end
When you're closer to losing your dreams
Than losing a friend
Flying blind
I'm shooting into the dark
Who will I find
Oh girl
And if it takes me a lifetime
I swear I'll tear down every wall
Love conquers all

On my way
Tomorrow I rise with the sun
Soon I'll be gone
Words can't say
How the memories of feelings of love
They linger on
Oh girl
And if it takes me forever
I know it's worth every teardrop that falls
Love conquers all

Somewhere there's a place in your heart
Where the wounds never heal
Well you're not alone
That's just how I feel

Love conquers all
This one will last a lifetime
And if love conquers all
This one will last forever

The story here in"Love Conquers All" is undying love that will not go away. Love that lasts forever. Despite what is endured love is worth pursuing till the end. This is the large theme of the scripture passage we will be looking at this morning. Many people have used this passage in 1 Corinthians 13 as a wedding anthem. Love endures to the end. 

Love. What exactly is love? It is somewhat hard to define, isn’t it? Just to get a taste of this, go to dictionary.com. It lists out fourteen definitions for love as a noun, eight definitions for love as a verb, and six idioms for love. The definitions range from “a passionate affection” to “a score of zero in tennis.” (What affection has to do with losing in tennis, I have no idea.) Love can certainly be one of those abstract principles that is somewhat hard to nail down. Nevertheless, as followers of Jesus, we need to try, for love is one of the key concepts that permeates the Christian life and experience.

If you were to ask any Christian where in the Bible they would go to learn about love, almost anyone who has been a follower of Jesus for any length of time would certainly send you to 1 Corinthians 13, often called “the love chapter.” A pretty good name for it, it seems, as the word love is mentioned nine times in 13 verses. Must be important, right? Part of the reason we are so familiar with this chapter is that not many a Christian wedding goes by without it being read. No matter how quickly it seems to be forgotten in the heat of newlywed arguments, a wedding just does not seem to be a wedding without the love chapter. It is certainly a classic. And as with all classics, there is a deeper appreciation to be gained when one comes to understand more about them. Although 1 Corinthians 13 can stand alone as a powerful treatise on love, it’s impact becomes even stronger when you realise that it is nestled within a book about God’s people, the church. Even more specifically, it is smack dab in the middle of a discussion on God’s presence in the church through the spiritual gifts.

In this passage, Paul becomes a poet, speaking truths to the Corinthians about love in a creative way that is as beautiful as it is powerful. There is much to be gleaned from this passage—many details about love as well as a few overarching principles. The passage actually breaks down quite conveniently into three main truths on love. As we come to understand these truths in the depths of our minds, and most importantly, our hearts, they will transform the way we live our lives. Let’s take a closer look…

Firstly.... Love is essential. Love is fundamental, basic, elemental. It is as vital as the air we breathe, as oxygen is to life. Without love, life would mean little. Something without love becomes nothing. No love, and our actions are futile. Through a chain of “if” phrases, Paul writes that if a person has certain things but does not have love, that having those other things matters little. The things he speaks of correspond to the spiritual gifts. But perhaps what is more powerful is what follows those “if” phrases. The first speaks of a “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Gordon Fee points out that this is a reference to the instruments used in their pagan religions, which we saw previously was characterized by the mute, lifeless idols. This phrase is symbolic of emptiness. A hollow noise. This signifies that using our gifts in ministry without love offers nothing of value. Paul’s point is certainly clear throughout these first three verses: If I exercise gifts without love, I give nothing (vs. 1). If I exercise gifts without love, I am nothing (vs. 2). If I exercise gifts without love, I gain nothing (vs. 3). I give nothing…I am nothing…I gain nothing. See how essential love is? If someone uses their gifts without love, they might as well not bother. It is like baking a cake without flour or running a touchdown without a football. It is futile.

Why? Well, for one, it is an issue of motives. Our gifts are intended to be used for the building up of the body. Our gifts are not given for ourselves, they are given for others. We serve because we love the ones we are serving.  We teach since we love those we are teaching. Using our gifts should flow out of a love for God and for others, not because it makes us feel good or gives us a feeling of satisfaction, meaning, or significance. Yes, perhaps these latter things will be byproducts for using our gifts, but they should not be the motivations. The motivating force behind the use of our gifts should be love.

Secondly.... love is not only a motivation, but it is a power that flows through our gifts into the lives of others. People should feel God’s love more deeply because we have used our gifts out of love for them. As we use our gifts in the church, love is able to permeate the church. It is life-giving oxygen for the body. And if we are doing works in the church for other reasons, they are empty of the true power of God, because they are empty of love. So, we see that love is essential. But not only is it essential, it is also extraordinary. Love is an amazing thing. And while it is not easy, when love in its pure form is exercised to the extreme capacity, it can be extraordinary. And the pinnacle of love is certainly God’s love, put on display through the person and work of Jesus. It was in him that the world got a glimpse of the heart of love…the selfless giving up of oneself for another. That is the gospel in all its richness. That is love.

One thing that strikes me when I read through this list is the idea of selflessness in love. It is certainly at the core. For if you flip these things around and look at their opposite, you get a great picture of selfishness. Love is patient. Impatience is rooted in selfishness. Love is kind. Being unkind is usually spurred on by selfish desires. Thus, the opposite of love is looking out for self…defending self…exalting self. True love is quite the opposite. True love is selfless.

Thirdly....Perhaps one thing that can motivate us to do the hard work of love is the final truth we see here in this passage. For in addition to love being essential and extraordinary, it is also eternal. Love will not cease like prophecies. Love will not be stilled like tongues. Love will not pass away like knowledge (vs. 8). For one day, when we are in heaven, the spiritual gifts will no longer be necessary. Why? Because the spiritual gifts are the ways God’s Spirit manifests Himself in the church, His body. And when we are in heaven, we will no longer need God to manifest Himself in these ways. At that time, we will be, in a very real and physical sense, present with God in a way we have never been before. We shall see Him “face to face” (vs. 12). As Revelation 21:3 says, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

Love is eternal. Unlike the spiritual gifts, it will never end. It lives here in the present, alongside the essential virtues of faith and hope. But out of those three, love is the only one that will endure forever. So, in all things, love should reign supreme. It should be valued more than any gift. It should be exalted more than any ministry. It should be held in the highest esteem. It should be practiced. Love should pour forth through everything we do. It should flow through our gifts to permeate the body with its life-giving power. Certainly, there is no doubt that spiritual gifts are of great value. We know that faith is vital. And hope is indeed important. But then there is love. Love is the greatest. Deep Purple's "Love Conquers All" is a reflection of this kind of love.

It's my prayer that you know this kind of love and you give this kind of love. Without this kind of love in our lives and in the world we are cocooned in a living hell. Love One Another. Bye for Now.

217. Rock Goes The Gospel - Nickelback "This Is How You Remind Me"

"How You Remind Me" was released in August 2001 as the lead single from Nickelback's album Silver Side Up. A "Gold Mix" was made for latter editions of the single with the heavier guitars edited out of the chorus. Lead vocalist and guitarist   Chad Kroeger (Writer of the song) refers to this song as the song that put Nickelback on the map as referred to their concert in Sturgis. It is often considered to be their signature song. "How You Remind Me" was named the No. 1 most played song on U.S. radio of the 2000s decade by Nielsen Soundscan, being spun over 1.2 million times on U.S. airwaves since its release in 2001 to the end of 2009. The song was named 4th on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of the Decade and 75th in the UK decade Chart.  It was nominated for the Kerrang! Award for Best Single. "How You Remind Me" was also rated the No. 1 rock song and No. 4 alternative song of the decade of the 2000s by Billboard. The song was featured in the music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Never made it as a wise man

I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing

Tired of living like a blind man

I'm sick of sight without a sense of feeling

And this is how you remind me

This is how you remind me

Of what I really am

This is how you remind me

Of what I really am

It's not like you to say sorry

I was waiting on a different story

This time I'm mistaken

For handing you a heart worth breaking

And I've been wrong, I've been down,

Been to the bottom of every bottle

These five words in my head

Scream "are we having fun yet?"

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no

It's not like you didn't know that

I said I love you and I swear I still do

And it must have been so bad

Cause living with me must have damn near killed you

And this is how, you remind me

Of what I really am

This is how, you remind me

Of what I really am

It's not like you to say sorry

I was waiting on a different story

This time I'm mistaken

For handing you a heart worth breaking

And I've been wrong, I've been down,

Been to the bottom of every bottle

These five words in my head

Scream "are we having fun yet?"

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no

Never made it as a wise man

I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing

And this is how you remind me

This is how you remind me

This is how you remind me

Of what I really am

This is how you remind me

Of what I really am

It's not like you to say sorry

I was waiting on a different story

This time I'm mistaken

For handing you a heart worth breaking

And I've been wrong, I've been down,

Been to the bottom of every bottle

These five words in my head

Scream "are we having fun yet?"

[3x]

Yeah, yeah, are we having fun yet?

Yeah, yeah, no, no.

Chad Kroeger wrote the song about his old girlfriend Jodi, with whom he had a dysfunctional relationship. The song is about self realisation,second thoughts, and making choices the right ones. The story in the lyrics is about a person who comes back to his girl friend, or partner, only to make the choice that this is not for him, based on who he thinks he is. We have all had moments of low opinions of who we are. This the scripture passage this morning from 1 Peter 2 we are confronted with our real identity as followers of Jesus. 

Who are you? What are you? What is your identity? In today’s verse, we will dive into the topic of our identity as a Christian. In the book of 1 Peter, Peter encourages God’s exiles scattered through the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia to remain steadfast in the face of suffering and persecution, reminding them of their special privilege and identity as God’s chosen people, while instructing them of their proper conduct. In 1 Peter 2:9, their special identity is elaborated. Taking Peter’s words literally have caused confusion for centuries amongst Christians, taking his words symbolically or metaphorically is also a move that cannot avoid confusion. In today’s study, we will attempt to decipher the huge message in this verse bit by bit, word by word, considering what Peter was most likely referring to when he pointed out each of these things.

"you" Who is the ‘you’ that Peter was referring to? Let us refer back to his introductory greetings which all epistles always have – 

To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood [1 Peter 1:1-2]. 

I don’t know about you, but this – God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia – only serves to confuse me further as to who Peter was addressing. Some scholars explain it as the Jewish Christians who have scattered over those locations; others argue that Peter included Gentile Christians as the Christians pilgrims that have scattered all over – we can perhaps go into a more detailed study of all those arguments and their implications when we look at 1 Peter 1; but for this study, I’m going to take the stand that Peter was writing to the scattered Christian pilgrims – both Jewish and Gentiles; if only because it’s a wider and more liberated stand.

"a chosen people; a people belonging to God" – The reason why I went to such lengths to explain who Peter was addressing in this letter is because this verse is talking about the topic of identity. We cannot not know who Peter was addressing if we want to talk about identity. Typically, the people that belongs to God is the Israelites [Deu 7:6]. By blood, by race, by tradition, they are God’s chosen people – though Paul says, Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone [Eph 2:19-20]. Spiritually, those who are not Jews but follow Jesus are also regarded as God’s chosen people. This is a new identity that is given to all followers of Jesus – you are God’s chosen people. By putting your faith in Christ, you become God’s chosen people. You belong to God. You are God’s own possession. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience [Col 3:12].

"a royal priesthood" – traditionally, priesthood in Israelite culture can only be attained by the descendants of Aaron. When Peter says we are a royal priesthood, it didn’t mean that anybody can just become a Jewish priest or anything like that. It just means that we no longer need a third person act as a mediator between us and God. We now have immediate and direct access to God. Also, we are no longer just common believers. We need to actively serve, actively live the life of a royal priest, serving God, serving his people, minister in the presence of God. It’s a priestly service. It’s a lifelong service. What does this identity as a royal priesthood makes us? It gives us a life purpose, if anything – and that is to minister as priests.

"a holy nation"– As a chosen people, you belong to God, and you are no longer part of the world. Being separated by God, you have been set apart, stay that way. Do not navigate your way back to the murky waters. Stay near to God. That is an identity. The Israelites have long been identified as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation [Exo 19:6]. However, throughout the history of Israel, we know that even though God has given identities, they don’t make people holy – it’s not that being given the identity of a holy nation, people suddenly become holy. It’s not that being called a royal priesthood, suddenly everyone lives everyday in priestly service. No – it’s still a conscientious effort to realign ourselves to the identity God has given us everyday.

In the Nickelback song Identity is under threat. the is a constant reminder of what we have done and who we are. In life we are reminded often of our former life and the mistakes we have made. We can choose to live differently. God's word is the reminder this morning that we are have a new identity given to us by God.

216. Rock Goes The Gospel - Rush "Finding My Way"

“‘Finding My Way’ [which replaced the Buddy Holly cover ‘Not Fade Away’ on the debut album] is a prime example of early 1970s hard rock, with prototype Rush guitar and bass attack. It features a highlight in Geddy’s screeching, ‘Sang some sad songs.'”and “is the most Led Zeppelin-like of the debut album’s composition, Geddy trying out the odd “ooh yeah” over a drumless verse. “The first track on the first album, this is the recording the band chose to give first impressions.” The song was the first one the band heard played on the radio. “Geddy said he will never forget hearing himself on the radio for the first time. ‘It really freaked me out when DJ David Marsden played ‘Finding My way’ on CHUM-FM.’ Marsden got an unusual phone call that day. ‘My request lines were ringing and I believe in talking to the people, so I picked up the phone with Rush playing and the voice said, “David, how are you doing? It’s Alex calling.” My reply, “Okay, Alex, what do you want to hear?” and Alex said, “No, I just wanted to thank you for playing our record. It’s the very first time I’ve heard it on the radio.” CHUM-FM continued to play the dsc. It also got air time in Montreal, but that was about it for radio.” After the release of the debut album, Rush opened for ZZ Top at the Allen Theater in Cleveland. They opened with ‘Finding My Way’ and the crowd went crazy! They obviously knew the material. They got an encore. Listen to the first live version of the song with Neil, at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, opening for Uriah Heep, on Aug. 14 1974. At a couple of points it sounds like someone in the audience trying to imitate Geddy’s wail.

Yeah, oh yeah!
Ooh, said I, I'm comin' out to get you
Ooh, sit down, I'm comin' out to find you
Ooh, yeah
Ooh yeah
Findin' my way!

I've been gone so long
I've lost count of the years
Well, I sang some sad songs
Oh yes, and cried some bad tears

Look out! I'm comin', whoa, whoa
Look out! I'm comin', whoa, yeah

I'm runnin', finding my way back home
Oh yeah!

Yeah, oh, yeah!
Ooh, said I, I'm comin' back to look for you
Ooh, sit down, I'm goin' by the back door
Ooh, yeah
Ooh, yeah
Findin' my way!

You've done me no right
But you've done me some wrong
Left me lonely each night
While I sing my sad song

Look out! I'm comin', whoa, whoa
Look out! I'm comin', whoa, yeah

I'm runnin', findin' my way back home

I'm comin'
Ooh, babe, I said I'm runnin'
Whoa, babe, I said I'm comin' to get you, mama
Said I'm runnin'

Ooh, babe, I said I'm comin' for you, babe. I said I'm runnin'
Ooh, yes, babe, I said I'm comin' to get you, babe
I said I'm comin'
Ooh, yeah

I'm findin', I'm findin' my way back home
Well, I've had it for now, livin' on the road
Ooh, yeah
Ooh, yeah

Findin' my way!

Rush's "Finding my way" is what I like to call a "returning" song. A home coming song if you like. A song that charts a journey home. In the lyrics we find verses like "I've been gone so long" and "Well, I've had it for now, livin' on the road". It is a song of repentance. Of knowing where you have gone wrong and returning, Doing a 360 degree in the road and setting out back to a better life. The scripture passage this morning in Isaiah 55 comes from the Old Testament and speaks the same thing as the Rush song, it's a "returning" passage. 

Can't God always be found? Isn't God always near? While it is true that God does not forsake those who seek him (Psalm 9:10) and that "those who seek God shall not lack any good thing" (Psalm 34:10), it is also true that there are times when the Lord seems either more or less accessible. 

These people that are on the receiving end of Isaiah's prophesy are coming to the end of a decades-long exile that was punishment for their sins. During this exile, they felt that the Lord had abandoned them. Now the prophet is bringing them word that their exile is drawing to a close and that the Lord has drawn near once more. It is a golden moment, one that they dare not allow to pass unacknowledged. If they seek the Lord now, "while he may be found," the Lord will have mercy on them and pardon them (v. 7). If they fail to seek the Lord now, the implication is that Yahweh will abandon them to their wickedness. During their exile, they have known what it feels like to be abandoned. Now is their opportunity to reverse that. All they have to do is to "seek the Lord while he may be found" and to "call upon him while he is near." They are coming home.

There are rich possibilities in this verse. There are times and seasons when it is easy to seek and find the Lord. There are moments it seems when we for no apparent reason, feel mysteriously drawn to the Lord. Our response in those moments will determine the direction that we will take––possibly for the rest of our lives––for eternity. It is vitally important that we admit the Lord into our lives in those moments when "he may be found"––when "he is near."

Of course it could be said that God is near all the time. In this passage the prophet is calling out for people to return home and more than that calling for people to return to God. It's a moment of the call to freedom and life. It's a moment to forsake all that has gone before and to do a 360 degree turn and get out of you current cicumstances and return to God who will give you safe haven and will welcome you with open arms (Luke 15 and the story of the prodigal) In Isaiah it's a call to give up exile life and come home.

"let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts" (v. 7a). "The wicked" in this context are the Jewish exiles who have so accommodated themselves to life in Babylon that they have no intention of joining the exiles who will soon journey to Jerusalem. In our context, wickedness and unrighteousness have a thousand faces––religious rebellion, failure to love our neighbour, thievery, unchastity––the list goes on and on.

"and let them return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (v. 7b). It is these estranged people (v. 7a) whom the Lord seeks to save––not the best of the best but the worst of the worst. Those on the margins.  The Lord will show such people mercy––will abundantly pardon them––will set them on a new course. The Servant will make his grace powerful enough to change lives. Sounds like Jesus.

But first these people must return to the Lord. There will be no grace apart from their response to the Lord's offer of mercy. The Rush  "Finding my Way" Echoes Isaiah 55:6-7. We hear of a tiredness on the road and a desire to return to where his heart is. It's this that Isaiah is proclaming and inviting.  May we with the lyrics of the song say "I'm findin', I'm findin' my way back home"