140. ISA 55:1. THE GOSPEL INVITATION
Isa_55:1. The Gospel Invitation
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."’97Isa_55:1
In the text there are three things: I. The Commodities announced. II. The Persons addressed. And, III. The Invitation given. Notice,
I. The Commodities announced.
These are waters, milk, and wine.
1. Waters.
The blessings of the gospel are often likened to waters. The figure is adopted by the prophets; Isaiah 35; Isa_63:2; Isa_64:3; Eze_47:3. The Saviour adopted the same metaphor; Joh_4:10, Joh_7:37. Now, as water is essential to life, and is the medium of purification, so the blessings of the gospel bring life to the dead, and purity to the defiled.
2. Milk’97Is intended to refer to the nutritive qualities of the gospel. By it the soul is nourished, and we are strengthened in the inward man. Hence, the apostle exhorts that we desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby; 1Pe_2:2.
3. Wine.
Which represents the exhilarating influences of the gospel on the heart, by which we are filled with joy and consolation, through believing. Here, then, is life, and food, and felicity; in short, in the gospel there is all that is necessary to our present safety, comfort, and happiness, and the eternal glorification of body and soul in the world to come. Notice,
II. The Persons addressed.
"Ever one that thirsteth."
1. That is, to all who feel their need of Christ and his salvation.
This desire, like the sensation of thirst, is,
(1) Accompanied with pain. A sense of sin causes great mental distress; enjoyment ceases; food imbittered; life wretched; fear possesses the mind as an armed man.
(2) It is accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. "Who will show me any good?" "What shall I do to be saved?" "Lord, carest thou not that we perish?" "O, that I knew where I might find him" &c.
(3) It is accompanied with vehement desire. Of such it will be said: Behold, they pray! Yes: God’s mercy will be implored, the soul will earnestly entreat of the Lord, and offer strong cries for his divine assistance. "As the heart panteth after the water-brooks," &c. Now the gospel is offered,
2. To every one that thirsteth.
Without regard to previous character; however unworthy, or however debased; of every rank and grade in society; of every age, and clime, and color, and people, and tongue. "Whosoever shall hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled." "And whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Notice,
III. The Invitation given.
1. They are to come to the waters.
Not to remain any longer at a distance; but to draw near to God by faith in his holy word. These waters they will find in the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make wise unto salvation. These waters they will find in a preached gospel; this is emphatically the word of salvation. These waters flow in divine ordinances, and therefore we are come to the word’97to the declared gospel’97and to Christ’s holy ordinances. And in coming to the waters, we must come simply and humbly, just as we are, we must come despairing of help elsewhere; we must come trusting alone in Christ’s precious name, as there is salvation in none other; and we must come immediately, for, "Behold, now is the accepted time, and the day of salvation."
2. We must buy.
Not that we can give God any equivalent; but he has terms on which he bestows these blessings. These are, a surrendering ourselves up to his holy service; a yielding ourselves to the Lord. He says: "My son, give me thine heart." "If any will be my disciple, let him follow me." Hence, although there are terms, there is no merit supposed or implied; it is "without money and without price."
3. We must personally participate.
"Buy and eat." We must truly and really possess and enjoy in our souls the blessings offered. "The kingdom of God is within you." The water must be taken, and thirst assuaged; milk and wine received, and thus nourishment and strength be realized.
Application
Now in conclusion, let the invitation have a cordial and welcome reception: Ho! every one that thirsteth, come! You need this provision, and must perish without it. It has been provided at an immense cost, even Christ’s precious blood. You are truly welcome; for God is indeed solicitous for your happiness. The terms must meet your circumstances, as it is without money and without price. There is enough for every applicant, and none shall be turned empty away. Now, now, is the opportunity! If neglected, if despised, it will pass away forever! Ho! then, every one that thirsteth, come to the waters, &c., &c.
"’Whoever will,’ (O gracious word!)
May of this stream partake;
Come, thirsty souls, and bless the Lord
And drink, for Jesus’ sake."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS