Buying What Truly Satisfies Without Money

The story is told of a wealthy man who felt his son needed to learn gratefulness, so he sent him to stay with a poor farmer’s family. After a month, the son returned home. His father asked, “Now don’t you appreciate what we have?” The boy thought for a moment and said, “The family I stayed with is far better off than we are. With what they’ve planted, they enjoy their meals together and they always have time for one another.”

This story reminds us that money can’t buy everything. Even though our bodies can live on what money can buy, money can’t keep the spiritual part of us from withering away. In Isaiah 55:1, we read: “Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.”

Is it possible to buy what truly satisfies without money? The inspired prophet Isaiah thought so as he pointed to the saving gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18). The gift of salvation through our Lord’s sacrifice is so invaluable, that no price tag is adequate (John 3:16; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:12-14; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Peter 1:18-20).

When we acknowledge our thirst for God’s word (John 4:14; John 7:37-38; cf. Isaiah 44:3; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:14-18) and obey His will (Matthew 7:21), we will find the spiritual food that satisfies our soul, and our soul will then live forever! (Matthew 4:4; John 6:35; John 6:47-51; John 6:58).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets