January 22
Thirst
“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” —John 7:37
Read John 7:37-53
The Lord Jesus stands in the middle of the temple square, the bastion of Israelite spiritual life. Around Him are many people, including priests, scribes, and Pharisees. Many sacrifices have been brought as the Feast of Tabernacles neared its end. The water of the Pool of Siloam had been ceremoniously poured over the altar, and everyone was ready to return home. Then the Lord Jesus arose and called out to the multitude, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink” (vs.37).
It’s as if the Lord is saying: “People, the water that was just poured out on the altar cannot save you. All the sacrifices that have been offered will not avail; but come unto Me!” Notice that the Lord Jesus does not say, “If any man thirst let him go to God.” He says, “to Me.” Be assured that the Pharisees and the Sadducees immediately understood what the Lord Jesus meant. They probably thought that He was blaspheming; how dare He make Himself equal to God?
We also need to ask ourselves whether we know of true thirst in our lives. Does your soul thirst after God? That is sufficient. Do not wait any longer to go to Him. Did He not say, “If any man thirst let him come unto Me?”
“But,” you say, “How do I know if I am thirsty enough or that I have enough knowledge of my sins? Maybe I need to prepare myself better to meet the Lord?”
And yet the Lord says; “If any man thirst, let him come unto me.” Do you think that when a lifesaver is thrown to a drowning person, he will begin to ask himself if it was meant for him? Of course not! He heartily grabs it with both hands. This calling also comes to you today!
How can the Lord Jesus quench our thirst?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.