Come and Drink
“Come everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come buy, and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” – Isaiah 55:1
“Both the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Anyone who hears should say, ‘Come!’ And the one who is thirsty should come. Whoever desires should take the living water as a GIFT.” – Revelation 22:17
Our kids are at that age right now where “indian giving” is the growing trend. They enjoy giving gifts to their siblings and friends, SO LONG as they can have it back whenever they want. For whatever reason, they struggle sometimes to understand the concept that a gift is a gift…forever. You can’t ask for it back. The fickleness of children in gift-giving shouldn’t be attributed to them only. It continues in adulthood doesn’t it? It’s sort of bred in us by our culture. If we give a gift, or a gift is given to us, often there are strings attached. We tend to invest in relationships so that we can get something in return. And we’ve all heard the slogan, “There’s nothing free in the world.” The skepticism by which we often view gifts has sadly become part and parcel of being human.
Therefore, when we come to verses like the ones listed above in Scripture, it rubs against the very grain of what’s been instilled in us by our consumeristic culture and our sinful natures. But the truth of Scripture is that the gift of God through the work of Jesus Christ is just that–a GIFT. It’s not an indian gift. He doesn’t ask for it back. And He doesn’t make demands based upon our indebtedness to Him. He simply offers the gift and beckons “Come! Come and drink. Whoever is thirsty. Come take the living water … WITHOUT COST!”
What an incredible thought! That the free gift of God really is a free gift. Of course, it cost Jesus His very life. So why wouldn’t we, out of love and appreciation for what He’s done, offer Him our very lives? Not out of obligation or debt, but simply out of love and gratitude. Let the overwhelming weight of the grace, mercy, and salvation of God freely given to you propel you into a deeper love for Him today.