ARE
YOU STILL THIRSTY?
The Jews had been up to the
feast of tabernacles at Jerusalem. They had gone through all the rites and
ceremonies of their now empty religion. They had done all that they knew to do.
They had done all that their religious leaders told them to do. But their
religion had left them thirsty. And "In the last day, that great day of
the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him COME UNTO ME and drink" (John
7:37). Has your religion left you thirsty? Come to Christ this day, and drink
of the life-giving Fountain.
PATIENCE HAD HER PEFECT WORK IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Until the last day of the
feast, he pleaded with those unbelieving Jews, even as on this, the last day of
the week he pleads with us, and waits to be gracious to us. Truly he is a
longsuffering Savior to bear with sinners, week after week, year after year, in
spite of their provocations, rebellions, and willful unbelief. Wonder of
wonders that you are still in this land of mercy!
PITY EXPRESSED ITSELF MOST PLAINLY. We are told that "Jesus cried",
which implies not only the loudness of his voice, but also the tenderness of
his tones. He entreats us to be reconciled to God by him. "We pray
you", says the Apostle, "In Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God". What earnest, tender, urgent terms these are! How deep must be that
love and compassion which makes the Son of God weep over sinners, and like a
mother woos his children to his heart. Surely at the call of such a cry our
hearts will be made willing to come to him.
PROVISION IS MADE MOST GRACIOUSLY. All that a man can need to quench his
soul's thirst is abundantly provided in Christ. To his conscience the atonement
brings peace. To his understanding the gospel brings the richest instruction.
To his heart the Person of Christ brings the noblest object of affection. To
the whole man, the truth as it is in Christ Jesus brings the purest nutrition.
Though your soul is utterly famished with thirst, Christ can restore it.
PROCLAMATION IS MADE HOST FREELY. Every thirsty soul is welcome. Come, oh come and
welcome to Jesus, weary, thirsty sinner. It is not your goodness, but your
sinfulness that makes you fit to come. Are you weary with sin, weary with empty
religion? Are you thirsty for life? Whoever you are, wherever you are, the
invitation is to you. "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and
drink."
PERSONALITY IS DECLARED MOST FULLY. You must come to Christ, not to works, not
to priests, not to soul-winners, not to the church, not to the ordinances, not
to doctrine. These things will all leave you empty and thirsty. You must come
to Christ himself. You must come to that personal, living Redeemer, who his own
self bore our sins in his own body on the tree. The bleeding, dying, risen
Savior is the only Star of hope for perishing sinners. Oh, may God give you
grace now to come and drink this very day.
No waiting or preparation is
even hinted at. Anyone can drink who will drink. A fool, a harlot, a thief, a
murderer can drink. The sinfulness of your character does not bar you from this
gracious invitation. It only enhances your need. My friend, the Lord Jesus
Christ is the only Fountain of hope for your soul. Hear the blessed Redeemer's
loving voice as he speaks to each of us, and obey it. Are you thirsty? The Son of
God says, “IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM
COME UNTO ME AND DRINK." AMEN.
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #691
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S.
Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net