Buying

What pleasure most children have in spending the money which is given them! Directly the present is in their hands—very often before they receive it—they make up their minds how it shall be laid out.

Then, as soon as it is possible, they are off to the shop in order to get what they wish for—toys, or books, or sweets.

It is well to be careful in buying, and to get what is good and useful with your pence or shillings.

One thing you need to buy which no shop can supply, and which no money can purchase.

What is it? It is far more valuable than anything you have ever purchased in town or village store.

You can read of it in Isaiah 55.

Do you guess what it is without turning to the chapter and verse? Perhaps you can. But

HAVE YOU BOUGHT IT?

Happiness is not sold in any of the markets or warehouses. God alone can give it, and He bids us to come. What is the invitation?

“HO, EVERY ONE THAT THIRSTETH.”

God calls. We do well to listen. He calls to the thirsty; that is, to those who are not satisfied, not happy. He calls to every one that thirsteth—to the young as well as to the old, for children have hearts and consciences as truly as those grown up. He calls to you, my reader—if you are troubled about your sins, fearing death and judgment, longing for peace and joy. What is His message?

“COME YE TO THE WATERS.”

“Waters” speak of abundance. There is plenty for all. Whatever your need, you may come. Some need pardon, some need peace, some need comfort, some need strength.

Whatever you need, “Come.” Come ye; that is, come yourself. Perhaps you say,

“But I cannot come, for I have nothing with which to pay.” Hearken, then!

“AND HE THAT HATH NO MONEY.”

God gives in grace. He knows our poverty—that we have nothing of goodness or merit. No money, but still He bids us come.

“COME YE, BUY, AND EAT.”

Buying speaks of being in earnest, of being willing to give anything, if one had it, for the blessing. “Eating” means making it our own—taking it right home to oneself—like one who said, “If salvation is for sinners, it is for me.”

“YEA, COME.”

God means what He says. He wishes you to come just as you are—just today.

“BUY WINE AND MILK.”

All that you need. Gladness and satisfaction, joy and support.

“WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE.”

God can righteously give pardon and peace to every one, because the Lord Jesus Christ has died for us upon the cross, and because of the value of His death God can freely forgive and free us from every fear and every foe.

The Lord Jesus was forsaken when bearing our sins and making atonement. Now He lives again by the mighty power of God. He “was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” He sits on high on the throne of God, and from that throne the gospel message comes to us where we are.

The moment we believe on Him who has raised up Christ from the dead we are accounted righteous before God.

God’s joy is in blessing. Come as you read this. He will bless you now.

I.Fleming

Scattered Seed 1901, p. 62