Living Water

We live near the Yellowstone River, the last free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. There are no dams to stem its flow, and it is the main source of drinking water for communities like ours, as well as recreational activities.

                        

It is not unusual for rivers, streams and creeks to overflow in the spring, when winter snows melt and spring rains fall in abundance. I have been seeing the news reports of flooding in Nashville, TN and other places. Not only can this flooding destroy or damage homes, businesses and farmland, but it also is not drinkable, full of mud and debris, and drinking it may cause disease and suffering. My heart and prayers go out to those who may have been displaced because of flooding, or, sadly, lost loved ones.

Perhaps you remember a time when you thirsted for water, or maybe you know someone whose life is flooded by water that does not satisfy. The good news is that there is One who gives us Living Water, the gift of God, eternal life.

                                                

                                                                  (photo if Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone Park)

                                    

Jesus spoke of Himself as Living Water several times in the Word, as in John 7:37:

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me,

as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

Jesus spoke of this "living water" as the Holy Spirit, but He also spoke of it as the gift of God of eternal life, in John 4:13: 

"...whoever drinks this water I give him will never thirst.

Indeed, the water I give him will become in him

a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

God promises this eternal life with Him for all who ask. In Revelation 22:17, we are promised:

Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes,

 let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Are you thirsty for something more in life, or do you know someone who is? Do  you know someone going through a "flood" in their life but cannot find any relief? Jesus is ready to give the kind of living water that will never dry up and will always provide relief, comfort, and especially eternal life. All we have to do is ask and it is ours, free and refreshing.

Rev. 21:6

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost

from the spring of the water of life."