“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink!” (John 7:37)

Patience had her perfect work in the Lord Jesus; and until the last day of the feast, He pleaded with the Jews – even as on this last day of the year, He pleads with us, and waits to be gracious to us. Admirable indeed is the longsuffering of the Savior – in bearing with some of us year after year, notwithstanding our provocations, rebellions, and resistance of His Holy Spirit. Wonder of wonders that we are still in the land of mercy!

Pity expressed herself most plainly; for Jesus cried, which implies not only the loudness of His voice, but also the tenderness of His tones. He entreats us to be reconciled. “We beg you,” says the Apostle, “as though God did beseech you by us.” What earnest, pathetic terms are these! How deep must be the love which makes the Lord weep over sinners, and – like a mother – draw His children to His bosom! Surely at the call of such a cry, our willing hearts will come.

Provision is made most plenteously; all is provided that man can need to quench his soul’s thirst. To his conscience, the atonement brings peace; to his understanding, the Gospel brings the richest instruction; to his heart, the Person of Jesus is the noblest object of affection; to the whole man, the truth as it is in Jesus supplies the purest nutriment. Thirst is terrible, but Jesus can remove it. Even if the soul were utterly famished, Jesus could restore it.

Provision is made most freely, so that every thirsty one is welcome. No other distinction is made except that of thirst. Whether it is the thirst of materialism, ambition, pleasure, knowledge, or rest – he who suffers from it is invited. The thirst may be bad in itself; and it may be no sign of grace, but rather a mark of inordinate sin longing to be gratified with deeper draughts of lust. But it is not goodness in the person which brings him the invitation; the Lord Jesus sends it freely, and without respect of persons.

Provision is declared most fully. The sinner must come to Jesus – not to works, ordinances, or doctrines; but to a personal Redeemer, who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the cross. The bleeding, dying, rising Savior is the only star of hope to a sinner. O for grace to come now and drink before the sun sets upon the year’s last day! No waiting or prior preparation is even hinted at.

Drinking represents a reception for which no fitness is required. A fool, a thief, and a harlot can drink; and so sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation for us to believe in Jesus. We need no golden cup, and no bejeweled chalice, in which to convey the water to the thirsty; the mouth of poverty is welcome to stoop down and drink from the flowing flood. Blistered, leprous, filthy lips may touch the stream of Divine Love; they cannot pollute it, but they themselves shall be purified by it.

Jesus is the fount of hope! Dear friend, hear our gracious Redeemer’s loving voice as He cries to each of us, “If any man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink!”

May the Lord fill your soul with the water of life, this day and always! Blessings on your New Year.

All for the King’s glory,

Christian

This post was adapted from the pen of Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers.” You’re welcome to read more of Mr. Spurgeon’s writings for free at Grace Gems.

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