HOW THIRSTY ARE YOU?

John 4:14 "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."

Awhile back one of our dear friends from college stayed with our family for a weekend. While in the shower I kept hearing her yelling for me "Hester, Hester!" Checking to see what she needed, I answered "What's up?" Her response, "There is no water coming out of the shower." "What do you mean there is no water coming out of the shower?", I asked. She was insistent, "Alright, the joke is over, ha, ha, turn the water back on! It really isn't funny anymore!" It was not a practical joke, but we were laughing alright. We quickly discovered the pump in our well had broke in perfect timing with her head full of shampoo. Our pipes were empty as was our reserve tank. Our well would not give us another ounce until it was fixed.

There are two things about water that are intriguing: accessiblity and necessity. How often do we turn on our faucet and take for granted that water will come out? It is rare with today's modern facilities we would be out of water or not have access to immediate use of it. Secondly, our need for water is vital. Having it for a shower is nice, but not vital to our health. Did you know our bodies need about three quarts of water a day to operate efficiently? Our blood, which is 90% water, carries nutrients to our cells. As a cooling agent, water regulates our temperature through perspiration. Water is necessary for our survival.

We may experience physical thirst periodically but what about spiritual thirst? Being aware of the need in our life for something more satisfying and fulfilling is crucial. There is water available that doesn't dry up or become empty. There is living water that will never leave us parched. This water is easily accessible and necessary for our survival. We must choose to drink it.

Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well in John 4:1-26. He refers to himself as living water in verses 10-13. She inquires how to get this living water. Jesus offers an invitation for this woman to thirst no more by giving her this living water. In verse 13 he tells her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

This woman has all the cards stacked against her. Being Samaritan during this time was considered a second class citizen. She is also a needy and imperfect woman. Verse 17 reveals she had had five husbands and the man she is currently with is also not her husband. She recognizes her need to be filled with this living water Jesus speaks of. What did she receive? Truth. Truth that would set her free. Truth that extended Jesus' grace and mercy. Truth that she could be fulfilled and not look elsewhere for satisfaction.

The problem is we too often look to other things to satisfy us. The enemy wants to convince us the living water Jesus offers is not enough. Money, business success, worldly beauty, kudos at work, compliments from others, job title, possessions, the latest and greatest, biggest and best are all temptations of false fulfillment. Every lustful obsession and addiction serves the desire to be satisfied apart from God. While many things may bring a moment of satisfaction or joy, ultimately they leave us empty. There is no lasting fulfillment in the things of this world. Jesus makes it clear He is our only supplier of fulfillment. When we are satisfied in Him we will never thirst.

As water is to one's body, so living water is to one's spiritual life and relationship with God. Physical thirst takes place in our mouths but spiritual thirst takes place in our souls where earthly things cannot satisfy. Living water satisfies our spiritual thirst. Just as our bodies have a physical response to thirst, we also have a deeper spiritual need that can only be fulfilled in Christ. Living water is easily accessible and necessary for our survival. How thirsty are you?

Heart Work:
Consider John Piper's quote, "God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him." What does this mean to you?

Re-evaluate how necessary living water is to your life.

Heart Examination:

How thirsty are you? What worldly false fulfillment tempts you? How is the living water Jesus offers enough for you?

Heart Changing Word:

John 4:14 (NIV) "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."

John 4:15a "The woman said to Him, 'Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty.' "

John 7:37b "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink."

Copyright 2010 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.