Thursday December 10, 2020

Today’s Reading: John 4:1-14

“But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again-ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.”

John 4:14

Reflection: Jesus satisfies our soul. Every person has at one point experienced the feeling of thirst. It is not only an uncomfortable, even painful feeling, but it is a symptom of our body’s need for water. It is an indication that we are lacking within us a crucial resource which is necessary to sustain us.

Jesus uses the understanding of thirst to explain our need for Him. He has seen those in need of Him whose souls long to be satisfied and sustained. Many know that they are need of something, but they don’t know what. They will try to satisfy their thirst with things that do not quench: money, status, self-worth, perfection, usefulness, approval, the list goes on. In their efforts to feel satisfied and content, they will pursue these other things in vain not realizing that only Jesus can bringing lasting satisfaction to the soul. But dissatisfaction, seeking after contentment and not finding it, vain pursuits and disappoints thereafter are all symptoms of a great need for something that we cannot obtain ourselves. They show our need for Jesus, the only One Who can grant true satisfaction to our souls.

When Jesus says that He has Living Water, He distinguishes more about the type of everlasting contentment and sustenance He gives through Himself. Living water, as opposed to stagnant water, is water which is moving through a stream, brook, or fountain. It’s source is not limited to where it is contained, because it is constantly being replenished. If you are drinking water from a glass, for instance, you can drink until the glass is empty. But if you drink from a running faucet, you can drink until you are satisfied. This running or living water is what Jesus tells us that He has for us. It cannot be contained, and it is abundantly more than we could ever need.

Living water is also pure. Even modern-day survivalists will tell you that running water from a brook or stream is much safer to drink than water from still pools or ponds. Living water is not corrupted with bacteria or sediments that ight bring more harm than good when ingested. This is the Living Water that Jesus provides. It is pure and good, purposed to give us true and eternal life.

Jesus tells the Samaritan woman not only that He has Living Water, but that He provides it to all who will receive it! He beckons us to drink of the Living Water He provides to us. What a marvelous offer this, that He will sustain and nourish into eternity all those who draw near to Him! Are you seeking true contentment? Know that you will be quenched only by the Savior Who will satisfy Your soul.

Prayer: Fairest Lord Jesus, as the deer longs for running waters, so my soul longs for You. For You alone quench every longing and fulfill every need. Thank You for sustaining me, Lord, by Your Goodness and Mercy. Thank You for keeping me by Your Grace. Please help me to continue drawing near to You, that I would learn to be dependent on You for everything at all times. I pray these things in Your Holy Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): John 4:1-26; 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6; Zechariah4