Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

December 31– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come unto me and drink.”

—John 7:37

Patience had her perfect work in the Lord Jesus. 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. Our Savior’s patience with us is truly admirable– year after year, in spite of our rebellions and resistance. It’s a wonder that we still live in the land of his mercy! Great pity is expressed in the way that Jesus cried out at the feast; not only was his voice loud, but it was full of compassion as well. He pleads with us to be reconciled to God.

There is nothing to bring. You only have to be thirsty, for he has plenty of water to quench even the most thirsty soul. To the conscience, the atonement brings peace; to one’s understanding, the gospel brings the richest instruction; to the heart, the person of Jesus is the noblest object of affection; to the whole man, the truth of Christ himself supplies the purest nutrition. Thirst is a terrible thing, but Jesus can quench it thoroughly.

And, finally, take note that the sinner isn’t called to works, ordinances, or doctrines but to a personal Redeemer who bore our sins in his own body on the cross. Oh for grace to come now and drink before the sun sets upon the year’s last day! Let’s drink deeply of him today. [M&E]