Drink up

John 4:7-15

What word of instruction do I hear?
Drink. Jesus offers us a gift. Water. Water for the thirsty soul. Water that quenches the deep longing of the heart. A longing for God. A longing we all have. A need within each and every human being. Each of us needs God. We crave God. Without God, we die. Without God, we cannot survive. God is as essential to life as water.

Somewhere inside we all know that we need something. Our lives are empty and meaningless without God. Sometimes we can admit that to ourselves. But, often, we ignore the craving. Maybe we think we can quench that thirst ourselves. We're smart. We're strong. We can figure out some alternative for water.

So we deny ourselves the one thing that can quench our thirst. Maybe we try to bury the feeling under a ton of work, food, activity, good deeds, good times, friends, liquor, drugs, sex.... We hide behind anything that will cover up the deep emptiness of our lives, even for a moment.

But we can't live without water, and we cannot live without God. So, eventually, the craving returns. And it will stay with us throughout our lives. Our need for God is just that strong. It cannot be denied forever. So we have a choice. We can try to bury our craving for God. We can try to ignore it or find a reasonable substitute. We can torture ourselves with our own stubborn refusal to accept what we so desperately need. Or we can drink.

For what would I like to give thanks?
That God is not hemmed in by our prejudices. Jews and Samaritans may choose not to associate with one another. Blacks and whites may choose not to associate with one another. UT and UK fans may choose not to associate with one another. But Jesus doesn't play by those rules. He doesn't withhold love. He doesn't withhold water. He doesn't withhold eternal life from anyone.

How have I missed the mark?
Like the Samaritan woman, I can find lots of objections to the activity of God in my life. I can see the obstacles. (How can you draw water if you don't have a bucket?) And I am not open to receive the gift that Jesus offers.

How is God present?
God comes to us wherever we are, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, and offers us the very thing that we need to truly live.

Thank you, God, for providing all that I need, when I need it. Help me learn to rely more on you and less on my own strength and wisdom. Amen.