Come Ye to the Waters

1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, A leader and commander to the people. 5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, And nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee Because of the Lord thy God, And for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

We’ve looked at the suffering Saviour in Chapter 52 and 53 - These are called Servant Songs. They speak of the prophecy of the Lord Jesus.

Note: Jesus would be bruised for our iniquities.

Note: His blood would be shed for our sins.

Note: In Isaiah 54 we see the church and the salvation of the Gentiles.

Note: The church would march forward for the cause of Christ.

Note: We see the Mission of the Lord’s Servant - That the Gospel would extend to the World.

Note: That Gospel message is the message of the church.

Note: The message of Hope and Salvation.

Isaiah 55 is a continuation of that very thought.

It’s an invitation.

It’s an invitation to enjoy all that God as to offer.

Note: It’s the greatest invitation ever given

When we read the book of Revelation we read about some pretty serious eschatology. Jesus would come again, He would bring upon this world great wrath and destruction.

Widespread wars

Severe famines

Deadly plagues

Terrible earthquakes and other natural disasters

Yet, as we close out the book of Revelation we hear an invitation.

Note: It’s an invitation to all people.

Note: It’s an invitation to the rich and the poor

Note: It’s an invitation to the needy

Revelation 22:17 KJV 1900

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Note: The overwhelming message of the Bible has always been come to the Lord.

Note: He will save you.

Note: He will give you life.

God Is a Very Inviting God

Note: That invitation still stands today!

Note: The prophet calls out, loud and clear, to all that can hear.

Note: Ho, means this is an important announcement.

I. An Invitation to the Thirsty

The invitation is for everyone, but it’s specific to those that are thirsty.

Note: When you’re thirsty you look for something that will quench that thirst.

Note: You’re playing some sports, or you’ve gone for a long walk on a hot summer day, and you have that thirst. You quench that thirst by drinking a nice tall glass of cold water.

Note: It really hits the spot.

Note: Nothing else will satisfy

Note: Those who who are seeking truth, and satisfaction in their soul - Prophetically the Bible says come to Jesus and He will meet the greatest need of your heart.

Note: Notice the Words of Jesus in the Gospel of John.

John 7:37 KJV 1900

37 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.

A. Salvation is a Gift

Isaiah 55:1 KJV 1900

1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Note: We notice that the goodness of God is offered free of charge.

Note: The satisfaction of Christ doesn’t cost you a dime.

We know the story of the Woman at the well.

Jesus said to her in John 4:10, “10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”

Note: Salvation has always been FREE.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note: God’s gift cannot be purchased, or earned. No money and without price.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Note: The prophet says you don’t need money at the table of the Lord.

Note: God offers His blessings to all that come to Him.

I was reading a little about the recent fraud and scams that have been taking place in our country.

Especially over covid, we’ve seen a 220% INCREASE IN PHISHING.

Phishing is where they send you emails to try to get your private information.

They may say something like - your payment didn’t go through please confirm your identity.

When you click on the link it doesn’t say rbc.com, instead it says bankinginformtion.in/rbc/bank/wearefake/gotya

And when you input your information, it spends it to the hackers and they take your money.

RBC and major banks have said time and time again - we will never send you emails asking for your account details.

But people still fall for it.

Salvation is always free in Jesus Christ.

Any one that tells you that you have to earn eternal life is not telling you about the TRUE GOSPEL, and isn’t promoting the Jesus of the Bible.

Note: Salvation is always FREE.

B. Religion is Not the Answer

Note: Jesus speaking to the religious crowd of His day said in the 11th chapter of Matthew.

Matthew 11:28–30 KJV 1900

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Note: So many were labouring trying to gain eternal life. The burden of religion is heavy upon their shoulders.

Note: Someone said that religion is man reaching to God; but a true salvation is God reaching to man.

Isaiah 55:2 KJV 1900

2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Note: There are so many people in our world that are labouring for something that will never meet the need.

Note: How many have said “I hope that I will go to heaven.”

Note: How many say, If I am good enough.

Note: If I give enough.

Note: If my good can just outweigh by bad.

Note: But it only adds more burdens for them to bear.

Note: Notice what Jesus said.

John 6:35 KJV 1900

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Note: Jesus is the TRUE Bread. He is the one that satisfies the soul, that quenches the thirst of the weary, and His Salvation (Which is eternal life) is always FREE.

Note: Yet, so many labour for that which isn’t the true bread.

Note: They try to gain eternal life by their own merit.

Note: But this doesn’t satisfy.

C. Life is Found in Jesus Christ

Isaiah 55:3 KJV 1900

3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David.

Jesus is life.

All that come to Him will enjoy the eternal life that He provides.

Matthew 7:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Note: Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35).

Note: He is the living bread (John 6:51).

In John 11:25, Jesus speaking to Martha said

John 11:25 KJV 1900

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Note: Life is found only in Jesus Christ, the living bread.

Note: We notice the New Covenant mentioned in verse 3.

Note: Upon Salvation we become the Child of God.

Note: We are saved by grace, God showers HIs grace his upon us each and every day.

Note: It’s an invitation to the thirsty.

II. An Invitation to the Lost

There are so many people spiritually lost without HOPE TODAY!

God provides leadership to those who are wandering in life.

Note: There are so many that we know today that are spiritually confused.

Note: The devil is a liar and wants people to be confused.

Note: God offers TRUTH to those who seek for Him.

As David provided leadership for the people of Israel (Vs. 5) God also offers leadership and direction to those that come to Him.

A. We Must Seek the Lord

Isaiah 55:6 KJV 1900

6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, Call ye upon him while he is near:

Note: This is a statement of urgency.

Note: Seek the Lord while there is opportunity.

Note: Because opportunity can be quickly taken away.

2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV 1900

2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Note: Salvation is always presented the present tense. The opportunity is always for this very moment.

Note: You don’t know if you’ll have an other chance to accept Christ. You could leave this building and be killed in a crash, or maybe today is your last day on the earth.

Note: You just don’t know.

Note: Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon HIs Name today!

B. We Must Turn to the Lord

Isaiah 55:7 KJV 1900

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Note: What is keeping you from trusting in Christ?

Note: Is it a sinful life?

John 3:19 KJV 1900

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Note: The Bible says to turn to the living God and forsake your own pathway - because sin doesn’t satisfy your soul.

Note: Is it an idea or thought that is against Christ?

Note: Maybe you’ve grown up in a certain religion that has taught you that salvation is by works. But this isn’t biblical.

Note: We must forsake this thought, this teaching, this ideology.

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV 1900

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Note: imaginations are things that you believe to be TRUE, but are not true.

Note: We are to bring our thoughts to the obedience of Christ.

Note: These must be cast down and TRUTH must be reign in your life.

Romans 3:4 KJV 1900

4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Note: When we turn to God (Verse 7) We will find forgiveness.

Note: We will enjoy the bread of life.

Note: We will enjoy salvation.

Because (Verse 8) God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His Ways are not our ways.

It makes sense for us to try to earn Salvation.

We need to do something right?

Someone gives you something and you say - what do I have to do? Even when it’s free we have this sense of obligation.

That’s why companies give you free gifts, samples or other products because they know that it creates a sense of obligation in our heart.

But we can’t BUY salvation.

We can work for it.

God’s WAY has always been a gift.

Grace.

His way is not our way.

His Thoughts are not our thoughts.

Note: The gears of eternal life are far more complex than any sceme of humanity. A just God could remain Just, and yet be the justifier of a fallen race by sending His perfect Son to die in our place.

C. The Power of God’s Word

I believe the next verses provide the prophetic truth of the seed of the Gospel.

The power of the Word of God when it comes to the salvation of Souls.

Isaiah 55:10–11 KJV 1900

10 For as the rain cometh down, And the snow from heaven, And returneth not thither, But watereth the earth, And maketh it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Note: Rain and snow may seem like inconveniences in our life.

Note: But God created the water cycle for a purpose.

Note: The snow and rain water the earth, and brings forth bud (Verse 10).

Note: The one that plants the seed will get a harvest and that harvest will bring BREAD to those that are hungry.

Note: We really notice the operation of the Word of God.

Notice the words of Peter in 1 Peter 1:23,

1 Peter 1:23 KJV 1900

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Note: The Word of God is incorruptible seed of the Gospel.

Note: God’s Word will not return void.

Note: It will accomplish the purpose that it was sent out to do.

Note: That is to bring people to Christ. To show them the Bread of Life.

Never be ashamed to give people the incorruptible seed of the Word of God. It changes lives.

It shows us our sin.

It reveals the heart of God.

It convicts us to the depth of our soul.

Note: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Note: Give people the Bible today.

An Invitation to the Thirsty; An invitation to the Lost.

III. An Invitation to the Weary

Note: God will bring Life to those that come to Him.

Note: Joy will be the theme of their heart.

Note: Peace shall be their anthem.

Isaiah 55:12 KJV 1900

12 For ye shall go out with joy, And be led forth with peace: The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Note: Even Creation joins in this song of redemption.

Verse 12, the mountains will break out in singing.

The trees shall clap their hands.

Note: There is this overwhelming sense of Joy in the life of a believer.

Note: The Bible so wonderfully poetically describes for us the satisfaction in Christ.

Note: The gift of eternal life.

A. There is Restoration

Notice the illustration that presented in verse 13.

That instead of the thorns, there will be a fir tree.

Instead of briers, a myrtle tree.

Note: When we think of thorns we think of the curse of sin.

Note: This Scripture depicts the restoration in Christ.

Note: God takes away the barren and the cursed and brings beauty and bounty.

B. There is Glorification

And it shall be to the Name of the Lord.

Note: This is God’s work.

Note: His Salvation.

Note: The Name of Jesus is exalted for the Salvation that He has provided for all people.

Note: All glory goes to God.

Note: God’s work will not be cut off.

Note: The Devil cannot stop the redemptive plan of God - although he has tried - God’s work remains.

Note: For all people must come to Jesus.

Conclusion

The question is simple.

Do you know the Lord today?

Are you a born again?

Has there been a time in your life when you have called out to God to save you?

Have you asked Him to save you?

You don’t have to pay anything.

You don’t have to live up to a certain standard.

You have to come in faith, believing that Jesus died, was buried and has risen from dead.

Believe that Jesus died for you.

That you cannot save yourself.

Ask Jesus to save you.

The Bible says that He will.

Romans 10:13 KJV 1900

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Note: What a wonderful gift that’s offered to us today.

Note: But there is a warning.

Note: The opportunity may be gone tomorrow.

Note: You need to respond and receive that FREE gift today.

Related Media

Related Sermons