Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–
June 13– Morning
by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff
“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
—Revelation 22:17
Jesus tells us to “take freely.” He wants no payment or return. You are invited, and, if you are willing, you may come. If you have no belief or repentance within, come to him, and he will give them to you. Come just as you are, and take “freely” without money or price.
Public drinking fountains are valuable fixtures, but how foolish one would be to refuse to drink from them because he has no money in his pocket. No matter how poor the man is, there is the fountain, and he may drink of it. The thirsty candidates may be dressed in fine suits or ragged jeans, but no one looks for further permission to drink. The fountain itself is the permission; it says, “Here is water for the taking; drink!” The water is placed there by the generosity of people or the spending of public funds. We are free to take it and ask no questions.
Perhaps the only persons who would refuse to drink are those who have “better options.” They may be thirsty but cannot think of drinking from a public fountain. It would demean them, so they go on thirsty. Likewise, there are many rich in their own good works, and, therefore, never come to Christ! They think to themselves, “I’m not going to call on Jesus to save me from my sins like some prostitute or criminal. I won’t do it!” Such proud folks will never drink the living water of Jesus; but, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” and drink. [M&E]