For Every Thirsty Soul

Background Scripture: Isaiah 1:18-20; 2:1-4; Matthew 11:28-30
Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-13

Introduction

God has provided a blessing truly satisfying to man’s soul. This may sound strange to those who blithely live their life enjoying the world, even as the deep longing of their soul persists. People expend much time and many resources in the pursuit of happiness, but often that which is being sought is elusive. King Solomon pursued many different things in his life and concluded that it was all vanity (Eccles. 2:1-23).

This lesson points us to rest, peace, healing, and the fulfillment that comes from God. If we are not saved, Jesus offers salvation through his blood. If we have been saved but are missing something, the invitation is to come and receive satisfying food for our spiritual life. May the thirst of our soul be assuaged daily with a fresh touch from God; then our cup of blessing is full and overflowing. This lesson will encourage us to experience the more abundant life in Christ.

Key Verse

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:14).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

This prophecy of Isaiah mimics the cry of a street vendor who tries to get the attention of the passersby above the din of the market. The call to salvation comes­—not loudly, but clearly—through the noise of everyday happenings.

The fulfillment of Isaiah 55:1-2 could be found in the searching cry of Jesus on the great day of the feast: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). Both are an invitation from God to the thirsty soul.

The prophet’s call is to every one who has a need, to all who are unsatisfied and feel that their life is not fulfilled. It is for those who are thirsty, who crave something they know they lack. It is not only addressed to those who desire God or seek righteousness, but also to those who are simply not contented. Are there some who are not thirsty, who are perfectly contented with what they have, feeling no need of anything more? Does this call not appeal to them as well? Surely it calls to those who may not even understand their own restlessness. This call speaks to the whole world. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11).

Practical Truths for Today

The water, wine, and milk that is offered as stated in the lesson Scripture symbolizes something refreshing, cheering, and nourishing. “And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” (2 Sam. 23:15). May we have this same longing for the Word of God, for God has promised it will fill our every need. His Word will accomplish that which He has said it will do. We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in and through Christ, who is the living Word (Eph. 1:3). When followers of Christ neglect their spiritual meat and drink, they are vulnerable to Satan’s temptations.

The excesses of society are evidence of a thirsty, unsatisfied world. The covetous person seeks for wealth; the ambitious one longs for fame, power, and position; and those who are sensual indulge their passions. The common thought is that when these desires are realized, there will be happiness and contentment. People imagine that if their desires were fulfilled, their hunger would be appeased.

Many in the world are foolishly expending their energy and wasting their money on entertainment and recreation, which bring no lasting satisfaction to the soul, as Hosea said, “Ephraim feedeth on wind” (Hos. 12:1). The more of the world one has, the more he wants, but soul nourishment is lacking, and the emptiness remains. We are prone to not only make the mistake of seeking fulfillment in the pursuit of gain, honor, and pleasure but also to make the fundamental error of seeking to quench the thirst of the soul by our own resources. Tangible things may seem to satisfy for a while; however, happiness and contentment cannot be found in tangible possessions no matter how unique they may be.

The call to repentance is embedded in the offer of living water. Repentance is leaving our old life and turning to God. When we forsake our wicked ways and thoughts and turn to the Lord, He promises to have mercy on us and give us a full pardon. Man forgives but may have difficulty forgetting; God promises to remember our sins no more (Heb. 8:12).

Gods ways and thoughts are incomparably higher than man’s ways and thoughts. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33). He promises to give “beauty for ashes” (Isa. 61:3).

The joy and satisfaction we experience while we drink from his fountain will be evident to others. “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing” (Isa. 35:1-2). “In the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water” (vv. 6-7). “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (v. 10).

Illustration

The following account depicts God’s abundant supply of living water:

A shipwrecked crew who had been drifting for days in a small boat were suffering the horrors of thirst. In the extremity of their suffering when all hope had fled, a ship was spotted approaching them. When it neared them, they called out as well as their parched throats permitted, “Water, water!”

“Dip your bucket over the side,” came back the response. They, supposing it to be a mocking answer, refused. But unknown to them, they had drifted into the place in the ocean where the mighty Amazon River spreads its fresh water far out to sea. They were floating in an ocean of plenty but were unaware of it.

So, God’s water of life is abundantly available to quench man’s thirst and save his soul from spiritual death. Sadly, many people fail to believe and drink from the living fountain, thereby claiming salvation for themselves.

Questions

1. Discuss how a Christian’s thirst differs from one who is not saved.
2. Is the call to repentance a universal call? What are ways it is misunderstood?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).