Encounter: Find a quiet spot next to a lake, river, pond or fountain and read or listen to a few of the scriptures that speak of the theme of living water, thirst, the Spirit and life. Underline or write down in your journal, words or phrases that you repeatedly find in these passages. Begin to think about what you are thirsty for in your life. Deuteronomy 8:15-18, John 7:37-39, Isaiah 55, 58:11, Matthew 5:6, Psalm 23:2, 42:1, Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 63:1, Revelation 22:17
They’re everywhere! Drinking bottles of all sizes, shapes, colors and designs. On it, you can have your name printed, photos of your favorite animals, friends and family or your favorite sports team. You may also be judged by those around you if you’re not carrying the brand that follows the latest fad sold through influencers on social. First it was Yeti, then Stanley and Hydro Flask. I am now a member of the resistance and no longer paying attention.
A friend and I were talking the other day about how when we were growing up and we got thirsty, the nearest water fountain or garden hose was all we needed. Oh and don’t forget, we drank out of the tap. I never remember having a problem getting something to drink when I was thirsty. In Indiana, water is plentiful.
Then I lived in the desert. I grew fearful of being without a bottle of water in my car because when it’s 120 it’s a matter of life and death. It became a habit to collect water bottles and there was always one in my right hand and dozens rolling around on the floorboard of my car. I’ve never felt thirst like I experienced in the desert.
The other day I thought about how God chose a people who lived in the desert to reveal his restoration plan for the world. Why not Ireland or the jungles of the great rain forest to show us the way home? I wonder if it has something to do with being thirsty. We can live without a lot of things, but water is not one of them.
In Deuteronomy 8, Moses tells the people of Israel that God allowed them to get thirsty in the desert to humble and test them for their own good, so when they came into the land God was giving them they would have learned how much they needed their relationship with the Creator. To always remember God is their Source and now ours. Being thirsty and then having God give you the water you need so desperately has a way of changing your heart. Maybe it's the only way.
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, we often find ourselves spiritually parched, seeking a deeper connection and meaning that transcends the mundane. The Bible offers a recurring invitation to "Come Thirsty," promising fulfillment and renewal to those who seek it. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, providing a beautiful tapestry of divine assurance and grace.
In John 7:37-39, Jesus stands up during the Feast of Tabernacles and cries out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" Here, Jesus extends a personal invitation to all who are spiritually thirsty, promising not just a temporary quenching, but a perpetual outpouring of spiritual vitality through the Holy Spirit.
Thirsty? What better way to go into a new ministry year with the anticipation of where we may experience more of God’s presence and purpose expressed as we come to Him asking for the water only He can give. We are being drawn to know Jesus more intimately, love Jesus more intensely and follow Jesus more closely. This is where we will find the living water, the only water bottle that will ever truly be enough. Not only for us, but we will continue to be refilled to overflowing as we BLESS our world. The invitation into this shiny new year? Come to Jesus and come thirsty!
Sunday I'll share about how God invites you to quench your thirst at the W-E-L-L---by receiving.
Christ’s work on the cross,
The energy of his Spirit,
His lordship over your life,
And his unending, unfailing love.
See you at the well!
Pastor T
Reflect: What water can do for your body, Jesus can do for your heart. Think about how your body lets you know you’re running low on water, food, energy and so forth. How does your spirit let you know you’re running low on God? (waves of worry, tempers flaring, hopelessness, sleeplessness, loneliness, resentment, irritability, insecurity?)
Spiritual Practice: In the week ahead, return to the Prayer of the Thirsty on the bookmark you will be receiving on Sunday at least once a day. Set a time to commune with God intimately. Pray these words and meditate on their meaning in your real, day to day life. Journal any changes you notice in your spiritual energy level over time. What other changes are you experiencing?
Gather: Discuss together the invitation from Jesus, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Talk about the different ways we can come to Jesus. Pray together the Prayer of the Thirsty.
The Prayer of the Thirsty
Lord, I come thirsty. I come to drink, to receive.
I receive your work on the cross and in your resurrection
My sins are forgiven and my death is defeated
I receive your energy
Empowered by your Holy Spirit, I can live the Jesus Way
Through Christ who gives me strength
I receive your lordship. I belong to you.
I receive your love. Nothing can separate me from your love.
Let the waters of your spirit overflow my life to BLESS others.
Amen
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