March 11, 2026

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.²Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.³Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Isa 55:1-3

“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.’” John 7:37

Read Deuteronomy 28:20-68; Psalm 119:25-48; Isaiah 55; Matthew 3

Everyone has experienced seeing food or drink that looked delicious only to be deeply disappointed when we actually consumed it. That happens in other areas of our lives as well. The relationship, experience, or possession that we thought would bring us lasting joy and contentment does not end up satisfying us.

Isaiah 55 offers an invitation to experience the lasting joy and contentment that can only be found in a right relationship with God. Once the suffering servant accomplishes the redemption of his people (Isa. 52:13–53:12) and inaugurates the new covenant (Isa. 54), the invitation to receive that salvation must go out (Isa. 55). This invitation extends to both Jew and Gentile alike (Isa. 55:4-5). All who accept this invitation by turning from their sin and trusting in the Lord will be included in the blessings that come from God fulfilling his promises to David through a descendant from his line (Isa. 55:3; see 2 Sam. 7).

When that promised Davidic king finally came, he took up the words of Isaiah 55:1 when he said to the crowds gathered for the Feast of Booths: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). John 7:39 clarifies that Jesus was referring to the Spirit, who would be given to all who turn from their sin and put their trust in him.

Reflect: Searching for lasting joy and contentment anywhere else other than in a right relationship with God will never truly satisfy. Take some time to reflect on the false sources of joy you pursue and confess those to the Lord in prayer.

“7 Money-Back Guarantees of the Gospel” by Brian Rosner

Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is good advice to anyone making a purchase. You should always know what you’re getting before you commit to buying. Fortunately, consumer law provides some protection and warranties guarantee some level of performance. Both parties in a transaction bear responsibilities: buyers should do their homework, and sellers ought not to give a misleading account of their goods.

When it comes to the gospel, preachers have a solemn duty to present its blessings accurately. Failing to do so misrepresents not only the message but God himself and runs the risk of leaving those who respond in faith regretful and disillusioned. The prosperity gospel that promises health and wealth is just one example of such false advertising.

So, what are the benefits every Christian can expect to receive from believing the gospel of Jesus Christ? Paul answers this question in his most comprehensive exposition of the gospel—the book of Romans. Let’s examine Romans 5:1–11, which gives a good account of such benefits and where the gospel’s money-back guarantees are mind-blowing and immensely appealing.

This passage acts as a bridge and turning point between the first two major units of the letter. In chapters 1–4, Paul expounds the gospel of God’s saving righteousness and provision of a righteous status before God to those who believe in Jesus. Then 5:1 recaps and summarizes chapters 1–4 before moving the argument forward to the life of those who trust in Jesus: “Since we have been justified by faith, we have . . .”

The change in 5:1–11 isn’t only one of topic but also one of tone. Paul moves from measured argument in chapters 1–4, using mainly second person verbs (you did this, you did that) and third person verbs (God did this, Abraham did that) to exuberant enumeration of the gospel’s blessings using first-person plural verbs (we have this, we have that); three occurrences of the verb “to rejoice/boast” (vv. 2, 3, 11) mark the passage with a celebratory character.

READ THE GOSPEL'S GUARANTEES

Matt Harmon and Ben Gladd explain why Luke highlights Jesus’ Christ-centered reading of the Old Testament and argue Christians should learn to read Scripture the way Jesus taught his disciples—responsibly, contextually, and with the Spirit’s help.

Apocryphal writings and their relationship to the Christian scriptures intrigue and confuse students of scripture. Where did they come from? Who wrote them? How was their exclusion decided? These questions can often lead to anxiety that disrupts our confidence in scripture. In Michael Kruger’s essay, he helps us to understand the historical and theological considerations that should shape our consideration of these writings. He helps us to see that by engaging these questions directly and deeply we can have confidence in the content of both the Old Testament and New Testament canon.

READ "The Apocrypha" by Michael Kruger

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