355. JOH 7:37, JOH 7:38. CHRIST’S ADDRESS TO THE THIRSTY

Joh_7:37, Joh_7:38. Christ’s Address to the Thirsty

"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. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said; out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."’97Joh_7:37, Joh_7:38.

The Jewish dispensation was crowded with sacrifices, ordinances, and festivals; most of these had a twofold reference; a literal one, connected with the circumstances of their institution, and a typical one, referring to the Messiah, and the blessings of the gospel. One of these feasts was called the feast of tabernacles; it was appointed to commence on the 15th of the 7th month, that is, September, and it was to last seven days. Its designs, &c., are fully described in Lev_23:39, &c. It seems the Jews had added to its ceremonies; for on the last great day of the feast, they went to the pool of Siloam, and fetched water; a part of which they drank, and the rest they poured upon the altar, in remembrance of the water supplied unto them in the desert. Jesus was present at the feast, and amidst the congregated thousands, he stood up and cried, "If any man thirst," &c. Notice,’97the Speaker,’97the Address,’97the Promises.

I. The Speaker.

"Jesus stood up," &c. Remember, my friends, it was at the conclusion of this address, that the officers turned and exclaimed, "Never man spake," &c. Let me refer you,

1. To the dignity of the speaker’s person.

"God who at sundry times," &c. Some of those persons were of distinguished celebrity; Moses, Elijah, Samuel, &c. Christ’s harbinger. But they were servants in God’s house. But, last of all God spake to us by his own coequal and coessential Son; a greater than Moses &c.; one of whom the Baptist truly said, that the latchet of his shoes he was not worthy to unloose.

2. His infallibility and infinite know ledge.

He knew all things; he could not err; he saw the circumstances and feelings of all his hearers; he knew what they required; his discourses were always, therefore, direct; he never drew the bow at a venture. Observe,

3. His mode of communication. Now,

(1) It was always tender and gracious "A bruised reed," &c. "Thou art fairer," &c. "Grace is poured," &c. "Grace and truth," &c.

(2) It was always plain and easy. He never dealt in the profound; never quoted one deep saying from the ancients; no metaphysics, no glossing, &c., no pompous terms; he simplified all he touched; he led the people to the garden, the field, the sheepfold, &c. Hence, the poor and the illiterate were instructed and delighted, and "the common people heard him gladly."

(3) It was always faithful and earnest, He never varnished over the condition of any of his hearers. See how he searched to the bottom of the hearts of the scribes and Pharisees. And how earnest and intent he was; it was his meat and his drink, &c. He taught, and wrought miracles all day, and then retired, and wept, and prayed all night. He was eaten up with zeal to execute the work he came to effect. He was the preacher of all times, all places, and to all classes. Notice,

II. The Address.

"He stood up," &c. Now this address is,

1. To the thirsty.

Appetites of the body are used to set forth the desires of the soul. We read of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Thirst is an extremely painful, and even fatal sensation, if not removed. This clearly exhibits the state of sinners. They are in a needy, wretched condition; sin, like a fever, is burning up the soul; there is no comfort, nor peace, &c.; as such like the thirsty, they desire relief. Hence they go up and down, saying, "who will show us any good?" Now, this wilderness world yields no pure, refreshing stream, its waters are all noxious and foul. Notice,

2. Jesus announces to the thirsty’97water.

"Let him come unto me and drink." Now, by this water we understand, the gracious influences of his Holy Spirit.

(1) Now, these, like water, assuage thirst; these satisfy the soul; pain, and anxiety, and dread are removed. Now the soul exclaims, "I have found the Messiah," "I have found him of whom Moses," &c.

(2) It revives, refreshes, and strengthens. The poor fainting, dying soul drinks and lives, becomes strong and joyful in Christ, the author of his salvation.

(3) Like water, the grace and influences of the Spirit cleanse and purify; remove pollution. "I will sprinkle clean water," &c. Produces holy fruits, &c. In Christ’s address,

3. The thirsty are invited to come to Christ for this water.

(1) Christ only can bestow it. He has he Spirit; he obtained it, &c.; he bestows, &c. Great importance in the words, "Let him come unto me."

(2) To come to Christ is to believe in him; to receive him as the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world; to build upon him as such, &c.

(3) There is to be actual participation. "And drink." Apply to our souls the fulness of Christ’s benefits and blessings. Come to the cross, and look up; to the fountain, and plunge into it; to the table and eat; to the foundation, and build. Observe,

III. The Promise.

1. Christ shall give him the water of life.

He will impart what he needs; give him pardoning grace, adopting grace, &c., sanctifying grace; in one word, salvation.

2. He will give him a full and abiding supply.

This is the idea in the text, and clearly expressed, Joh_4:14, "Spirit shall be in him."

3. The grace imparted shall be useful, and a blessing to others.

"Out of his midst, or heart, shall flow," &c. Piety is influential. God blesses a man that he may be a blessing. The converted soul says, "Lord, what wouldst thou," &c. "What shall I render," &c. Then the influence of godliness; flows out He honors Christ; brings others to Christ talks of Christ by the way.

"Oh, then he tells to sinners round," &c.

His streams flow here and there, &c. He glories God with his body, &c.

Application

1. Many of you have proved the truth of the text. Celebrate the praises of Christ. Bless the Lord who healeth all your diseases, &c.

2. Urge sinners to come to Christ. Come now; come just as you are; come with the sinner’s plea.

3. Christians, be useful Let your piety flow out.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS