I Need Water!

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:37-39)

There is nothing like a glass or bottle of cold water on a hot and muggy day...or is it? There is a difference between quenching a thirst or receiving nourishment.

I think back a few years ago to a mission trip in St. Vincent, West Indies. We were working daily with over two hundred kids varying  in age from two to twenty-two! It was hot and muggy all day from sun up to sun down. When we were completed Vacation Bible School on day one, we were dragging. "I need water!", was the common plea.

Oh, we had water...bottled and spigot versions. Yet until "Tony" drove up with a pickup loaded with fresh island coconuts, we had no clue what real nourishment was! He pulled out his rather intimidating machete and sliced open one and offered it to me saying, "Here, drink this!"

"WOW!!!!" As the team shared coconut water, we instantly received not only refreshment, but NOURISHMENT! This must be what Jesus meant when He said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink". Like He said to the Samaritan woman , "If you knew..."(John 4:10). If we had known what a coconut would do, we like have not needed the water, Gatorade, or anything else! 


Like with the folks Jesus spoke with and with us in St. Vincent years ago, God had already provided. Many times we think, plan and execute to our best abilities, even searching and implementing new and improved ways of doing things. When it doesn't quite satisfy we are baffled. Maybe we simply have to use what God has already supplied . . . Who He has already supplied. Have we tapped into His Spirit within?

Lord, as John the Baptist said, more of You and less of me. (John 3:30) Check out Earnest Pugh's "More of You at your leisure . . . Be nourished today!

https://youtu.be/oJfEbF6sjJ4