I was cleaning up around the kitchen sink last night and on the window sill I have a small bowl which is a catch-all for stray bottle caps, etc. It needed cleaning out - two caps in the trash and at the bottom of the bowl was a black soda cap with the question, “Are you thirsty?” My first thought was, “Man, would that preach!”
Since I’m a writer, not a preacher, I offer my sermon in written word!
ARE YOU THIRSTY?
Since we are reading this in the summer, a record-breaking HOT summer at that, I’d venture to say we’ve all consumed a lot of beverages the past few weeks. Hopefully, we’ve been wise in our choices and water is chosen over sugary/fructosy sodas and juices. But, how’s our spiritual thirst? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get so “thirsty” for a Holy Ghost-led time of praise and worship, I mean the kind with no agenda, no song list - just a Spirit-filled pianist and Holy Spirit orchestrating. Whew! Those are third heaven experiences!
There once was a lady from the wrong side of town - we’ll nickname her “Sam.” She went to the town well to get her afternoon supply of water. It was noon, maybe a very hot day and she went thinking no one else would be there at that time. “Ratz,” she whispered under her breath, “A Jew, a Nazarene no less is sitting by the well.” Mind your own business, Sam, don’t say a word, get your bucket filled and go back to the privacy and no-questions-asked atmosphere of home.
“Give Me a drink!”
“Oh my, He’s talking to me?” Why on earth would a Jewish man ask ME A SAMARITAN woman for water? After all, Jews hate Samaritans.
The story comes from the gospel of St. John, chapter four, verses one through twenty-six. This is one of my most favorite New Testament illustrations of God’s unconditional, no-agenda, LOVE. Jesus, the Nazarene, explains to Sam, the Samaritan woman, that she could ask HIM for Living Water and she would never thirst again. What on earth? That just seems like crazy talk to an unknowing person. But, when we learn about Christ, God’s Son, we learn that nothing satisfies like He does. Nothing fills the void, like He does. He is the All-in-all.
When the spiritual thirst strikes be sure to make the right choice - the One and Only choice. There is no need to try anything or anyone new - go to The One whose well is deep and He will fill us up with His most satisfying Truth and Peace…Jesus, Himself, called it Living Water!
Are you thirsty?
And, let everyone come who is thirsty: and whoever earnestly desires to do it, let him/her come, take and drink the water of Life without cost. Revelation 22:17
Susan is a wife, mother to three adult children and grandmother to two grand-blessings. She is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Susan gathers life experiences to share with other women in need of hope and encouragement. Read Susan’s blog at http://hopehearthome.com/
Excellent. Jesus was on His way to letting women know how valuable they were to Him, and to our Heavenly Father. Good word Susan
For those of us who too often find ourselves attempting to quench our thirst with the ways of Babylon, this is a timely reminder that there is only One Living Water that quenches every thirst and that is Jesus Christ, Savior and LORD. Thanks Susan for helping to start my week with such a thoughtful reminder. Enjoy your comments in this forum and also your own blog, Hope, Heart, Home. I pray your thirst for HIM be satisfied today.
Wonderful………..I cherished every word. Thank you, Susan!
Susan, Remember the song we use to sing…"she went away singing and came back bringing, others to the water that was not in the well." Am I telling others about the "One Living Water" ? Thanks, Susan, for telling others about Jesus through your writing and reminding me to do the same!
I do remember the chorus - but of course hadn't thought of it until you brought it to my memory!
Thank you sweet Susan. Sometimes I believe we are all woman at the well, Thirsty for his Holy Spirit to fill us up! Especaily with all that we , Mothers, Wifes Grandmothers, Daughters, Daughters-in-laws, and so on, have to do. Sometimes we just need to sit at his feet. Thank you Susan, for always filling us with his word, exactly when we need it. Many Blessings, and Thank you for being so Faithful .
HeleMarie, Kathy, Kathryn, and Peggy: thank you for the encouraging comments. It seems we are all "thirsty!"
Susan, You always bring me food for thought , it makes me realize how thirsty I am, searching for the Lord, trying to quench my thirst through Him.You are so faithful to the Lord and to others needing your help and prayers. I am so glad you are a part of my prayer warrior team as you always bring me words of encouragement for those we are praying for. May the Lord continue to bless you as you bless others.
Because this girl asked the right One for water, she was used by the One to change a city. Love this story! Great post!
Loved this Susan…Bless you my good friend for reaching out to us with your pen…this was just what I needed to read tonight!
wow….really enjoyed
Donna, Heather, Sandy B, and Deb K…..your comments ENCOURAGE ME!
Father God - our cups are turned up to YOU - fill us with YOUR LIVING & HEALING water - Your beloved Son Jesus - come fill us up. We praise you and give You all the glory forever and ever.
Thank you Susan for this writing, it truly hit home. When I was reading it, I thought about the many times I have stood in the middle of a room, my eyes closed, my head tilted back, my hands stretched out …palms up, and said these words from my thirsty lips, “Lord fill me with your Living Waters.” There is no other experience to compare when the Living Waters rain down upon you and fills you with all Jesus knows you need! Praise and Glory to you Jesus! Love you Susan
Wonderful, Susan. As always, your writings come at a time when I need them most.
Margie and Laneice, thank you for being encouragers!
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