0357. DRINK FROM THE GREAT DEPTHS.

DRINK FROM THE GREAT DEPTHS.

"He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths" (Psa_78:15).

This Psalm is to be regarded as an historical parable (Luk_11:2), and as such it is full of deep spiritual significance that we might "set our hope in God, and not forget His works" (Luk_11:7).

I. The Place of Need. "In the wilderness." The wilderness, like this present world, is the place of trial and testimony. Many fail here, saying, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" (Luk_11:19). In the wilderness the Israelites were dependent on God for everything, so while in this world we must live by faith upon the Son of God.

II. The Blessing Mentioned. "Drink." Water is here typical of the blessings of the Gospel (Isa. 55; Joh_7:37; Rev_22:17). It is something real to meet a real need-thirst. It is something that must be appropriated, "drink," and a something that cannot fail to accomplish this great end of refreshing and satisfying the receiver. Such is the Gospel of Christ to all who believe.

III. The Means Used. "He clave the rock." Moses smote the rock, but it was the Lord who clave it, so that the streams gushed out (Luk_11:19). This precious soul-saving treasure was hidden in the bosom of the rock until it was smitten and opened by the grace of God. "He was wounded for our transgressions." It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; "with His stripes we are healed" (Isa_53:5).

IV. The Freeness of the Blessing. "He gave them drink." It was both free and full, for "the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed" (Luk_11:20). This was the gift of God to every thirsty soul. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye." "By grace are ye saved" (Eph_2:8).

V. The Source of the Blessing. "Out of the great depth." Truly, the well is deep. This is not surface water; it was entirely beyond the reach of man till He clave the rock. The water of life that has come to us through the cleft Rock of Ages has come out of the great depths.

1. Out of the great depths of the mysterious godhead. The Three-one God-is the God of our salvation (2Co_13:14).

2. Out of the great depths of a past eternity. Salvation was no after-thought with God, for Christ was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev_13:8).

3. Out of the great depths of inexhaustible riches. There is no merit in man, but there is unsearchable riches in Christ. The grace that brings salvation has its source in the infinite heart of God.

4. Out of the great depths of unfathomable love. God so loved the world that He gave His Son. This stream gushing out from the heart of God is as broad as the world, and as deep as human need for time and eternity. "If thou knewest the gift of God, ask of Him, and He will give thee living water" (Joh_4:10).

Autor: James Smith