Chapter 111—Gives Life to the Soul
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
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He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink
to thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something
to supply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of
the world, “the Desire of all nations,” is Christ. The divine grace which He
alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating
the soul.
Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draught of the water of
life would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will
continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors,
and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart
is, More of Thee. And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting
to satisfy its hunger and thirst. Every human resource and dependence will
fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer
is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and ever find a
fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of
blessing.... From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for
all his needs.
He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver
becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert,
welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to
drink of the water of life.
The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in His
Word.... Christ’s gracious presence in His Word is ever speaking to the soul,
representing Him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting. It is
our privilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of spiritual
power implanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in words and
actions, refreshing all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them
desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, and
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