Thursday, February 9, 2012

Watering Holes & Living Water



We saw them. They were huge, majestic. We came around a bend in the road, and there they were. Elephants. A large herd coming to a watering hole for some refreshment. A mother warthog with babies in tow, cautiously joined them. A bat eared fox wasn't far behind.

The watering hole served different purposes. Some animals came for a drink, while others bathed in its cloudy depths. Although their needs may have been varied, one thing was clear, the animals were drawn to the water.

As I marveled at the amazing creatures a stones' throw from our vehicle, I was reminded of the water that's necessary in my life - Living Water. Thoughts of a well in Samaria came to mind. A well where townspeople came to draw water necessary for their everyday lives. A well where Jesus sat one day.

A Samaritan woman came to the well, as she'd done every day that week. Only today was different. A man was sitting at the well. A Jewish man. Unusual, but the woman went about her task of collecting water in her pot, knowing that local custom would prevent the man from speaking to her anyway.

When his voice reached her ears, she all but dropped her water pot. What had he said? Her mind processed his words carefully, "Give me to drink, " (John 4:7b; KJV). She was so shocked, she blurted out a response without thinking, "How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans," (John 4:9).

The man's answer was puzzling. According to the statement he made, he must be someone important, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water," (John 4:10).

How could he dip water out of the well without a tool? Did he think he was greater than the patriarch Jacob who dug the well in the first place? Once again, his answer seemed like a riddle, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up in to everlasting life," (John 4:13-14).

Now that sounded like a good deal! Never having to draw water again. Never being thirsty. She was ready to accept this man's offer...until he told her to go get her husband and come back. The truth tumbled out of her mouth, "I have no husband," (John 4:17a). The man's next words made her breath catch in her throat. "Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly," (John 4:17b-18).

He had to be a prophet. How else could he know the sordid truth about her past and her present? He seemed to know everything about her. Who was this man? Maybe he could tell her what she could do to please God. She shared her thoughts, "I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things," (John 4:25).

She wasn't prepared for his response. "I that speak unto thee am he," (John 4:26). Jesus. The man who had been talking to her was Jesus, the Messiah! The One who knew all about her sins, and loved her anyway.
She was ready to repent. She now understood what he meant by 'living water.' When she put her faith in him, he satisfied the needs of her soul for a Savior.

What about you? Are you still looking for something to satisfy your soul's 'thirst'? Look no further than Jesus Christ, the Messiah - the Living Water.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)     

16 comments:

  1. The living water is ALL we need. Lovely post, Maria!

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    1. Joanne - Great to see you! The Living Water quenches EVERY thirst, doesn't it?! Have a blessed week!

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  2. Wild elephants, what a sight to see! What a beautiful reminder that he is our oasis in the desert. Thanks for sharing. I linked your blog to my website (sanitybreaks.weebly.com), but I didn't see a button. I also just got the newsletter for the new writers conference and was wondering if I'll see you there. I'm looking forward to it! Blessings to you on your trip.

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    1. Audrey - Hello! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I love the mental picture of an oasis in the desert. Thanks for linking my blog to your website!

      Not sure about the writer's conference yet - I just perused the brochure myself. If I go, I'd love to get together and catch up! Have a beautiful weekend! Hugs! God bless!

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  3. Hi there, I love this post and your analogy as well as your last post. God's world is so amazing! From the people He made to the animals to nature. Be blessed dear one as you minister and as He ministers to you.
    Hugs, Noreen

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    1. Noreen - You're absolutely right about God's creation being amazing! We found South Africa to be breath-takingly beautiful! We took over 2000 pix and I'm sure we'll be enjoying them for years to come. Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! Hugs and blessings to you!

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  4. Maria your last two posts are so beautiful. I'm really happy for you that you were able to take the trip. Your post just sums up a song that has been in my heart all day.

    "Only Jesus can satisfy your soul,
    Only He can cleanse your heart and make you whole,
    You'll never find true satisfaction until you find the Lord, for only Jesus can satisfy your soul." I

    'm crying now....

    Blessings
    Vickie

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  5. This is a beautiful post, Maria! Love it! Nothing quenches like Jesus. Nothing! :) Have a great weekend!

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    1. Hey Jess! So good to see you! You're right, nothing quenches like Jesus! Enjoy your weekend,too. Blessings & hugs!

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  6. Vickie - Wonderful to see you! So glad you enjoyed the posts. What a beautiful song! And what an important truth that everyone needs to hear, "Only Jesus can satisfy your soul..." Thanks so much for sharing! Have a blessed weekend, my friend! Hugs!

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  7. Great analogy and great post! My heart aches when I see people around me who try to satisfy their need for God with everything else, much like the Samaritan woman. Bless you Maria!

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  8. I'm just so happy to know that I'm not only swimming in the river of life, but that it flows through me as well.

    Thankfully,

    Rhonda

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  9. Beautiful post, Maria! Your positive messages and insights into the Bible never fail to encourage.

    Jesus is indeed the only One who can satisfy our thirst.

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  10. I see many trying to find meaning through jobs, money, fame, and even family. None of these things is stable and can change in a second. I'm thankful that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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  11. Great post. I think I used to think being published would bring me some kind of satisfaction. I eventually gave those dreams over to God and learned that only He can bring purpose and fulfillment.

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  12. What a wonderful experience and parallel! I appreciate your thoughts, and as always, your encouragement. :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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