December 17

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! — Isa 55:1 BSB

How many poor, struggling sinners have, upon hearing the words of Christ’s invitation, looked to Him and found light, just as the psalmist said, “Those who look to Him are radiant” (Psalm 34:5). When they come to Him, they are met with a kind reception. The power of these invitations opens their hearts, just as the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to receive the gospel. They no longer see the Lord as an angry judge, but as a compassionate and merciful Savior. These invitations reveal His grace, tenderness, and mercy, and they enlighten the understanding while softening and melting the heart. This leads to the confession of sin, a renouncing of self-righteousness, and a sincere desire to embrace the truth of the gospel.

As these effects take root, so different from the old, dead legalistic religion, the Bible becomes a new book, and they read it with fresh eyes and newfound delight. Their ears are opened, as well as their hearts, and they eagerly listen to the gospel being preached. Those who have experienced this can testify that there are no sweeter days than those early days of faith, when "the secret of God" was upon their lives, as Job described (Job 29:4).