Memory Verse: “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalm 34:8
When I was a boy, before I was converted, I was working part time in a theater. On this occasion the theater was in a state of great excitement: a famous actress was to perform, and the old scenery of the stage was replaced with new brightly-painted scenes and hangings. Everything was done to please the star and to make the new play a success.
The night came—the handbills and placards had done their work, and the house was crowded. While engaged in carrying drinks to the orchestra, I was called upon to carry wine to one of the boxes. There I found the famous star chatting with one of the actors about the crowded condition of the house.
“Oh,” she remarked, “suppose the gallery should give way!”
“There would be a good many more souls in hell if it should, I am sure,” he replied lightly.
These words seemed to touch a chord in the heart of the actress, for she turned to me instantly and said, “O leave this place—leave it! You are too young to be here. There is something better than this; leave now before it is too late.” And oh, the look that was in her eyes, telling of the thirst in her soul that had never been quenched. She had been at the world’s well, oh so often, and had drank and drank and drank, but never had been filled. She had never got her fill from the pleasures of the world, and she knew it.
“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again,” are the Lord Jesus Christ’s own words, and they were so true of her. Her words cut me to the heart, and I left. That was the last night I ever drank of those waters.
And, O unsaved one, if you are still drinking of the waters of this poor world (its pleasures or anything else), stop! There is a spring where you may drink and be satisfied—be filled—even to overflowing. He is able that promised, and He has said, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6. Again, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” John 4:14. The water given by the Saviour’s blessed hand alone can satisfy—none other ever can. Drink then, while yet there is time. Hear once more the gracious invitation of His love extended to us—once, when down here in this world, and now again from the glory, where He is—it is for you, dear thirsty soul:
“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37. “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.
ML-01/02/1977