Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Isaiah 55:2 (NRSV)

How did your parents get your attention when you were a child? Parents use various means but one of the most common is to use your full name. As a child when you parents used your first, middle and last name you knew that you better pay attention because they were going to say something important and it was only going to be said once. The word that is translated as “Ho” is just such a word. It’s a strange word and translators have had trouble with how to translate the Hebrew word. Some have simply translated it as “The Lord says”. In the Hebrew it is a word that indicates one should pay attention. Maybe a better translation would be “Listen Up!” God had something important to tell the Israelites and that message is still one we need to hear. In our world today many people are laboring for what does not satisfy. Their work does not bring satisfaction so they look forward to the weekend in hopes their house in the country and all of the toys in the garage would bring them joy. Commercials indicate that a nice vacation or a new vehicle will bring the fulfillment they desire. But it all leads to emptiness because people are putting their trust in the material possessions. Are you thirsty for more in life? Do you have a hunger that is never satisfied? God invites you to come to the one who can give you fulfillment and that is Jesus Christ. We are examining the Passover meal at Trinity’s midweek Lenten services this year. Last night our focus was on the unleavened bread. We remembered that Jesus called himself the “Bread of Life” and reminded us that if we eat of the bread of life we will live. Jesus took the unleavened bread from the Passover table and gave it a new meaning saying “This is my body”. So when we come to the Lord’s Table we eat what gives us meaning for we are consuming none other than Christ. It is a meal that is free. It doesn’t cost us a dime. Are you tired of spending your money for that which does not satisfy? Then it’s time to come receive what can give you life. Come and receive the living water and the bread of life. Come and receive Jesus Christ.