water  [waw-ter, wot-er]

noun

1. flowing water, or water moving in waves

2. the surface of a stream, river, lake, ocean,

3. to furnish water to (a region), as by streams; supply (land) with water, as by irrigation

In Jesus’ time, it was hard to underestimate the importance of water. Wells were a gathering point for a village or community as the people came to draw water for the day’s cooking, cleaning, eating, and watering of the livestock and crops. Cisterns were used to collect every drop of water possible.

Consequently, when Jesus said He would give “the fountain of the water of life freely to Him who thirsts,” He was using words that resonated deeply with the people on many levels. First of all, the word freely is important. The people could have as much of this living water as they wanted and needed. No drought would effect it, nor would the supply be limited by what they could carry or who owned the well.

The phrase him who thirsts  is also pivotal. Everyone gets thirsty, so everyone is eligible to receive living water if they want it, not just a privileged few.

For greater insight, we must also consider John 4:1-26. In this passage, Jesus delves deep into the hearts of the people with a lesson about Living Water. Jesus meets and talks to a Samaritan woman who is at a well drawing water. This was unusual for two reasons. First, Samaritans and Jews had a longstanding dislike and distrust of each other, and secondly, men usually did not address women in public unless they were family members.

But Jesus breaks with that convention for an important reason: He gives her an opportunity to change her life. He tells her in verses 13 and 14 that the water He gives is different; it will become “a spring of water welling up to eternal life, and those who drink it will never be thirsty again” — truly a revolutionary idea that her spiritual thirst could be eternally satisfied.

These scripture passages are just as relevant to us today as they were to the people thousands of years ago. Although many of us have easy access to water, we are still a spiritually thirsty people. Only Jesus can quench that thirst, and He does that by offering His well of eternal life that will never run dry.

point to ponder

Do you draw deeply from your well of eternal life as you go about your days? We can never plumb the depths of what Jesus has for us. This should not be a “one and done.” Give your life to Jesus, and then spend the rest of it drinking deeply, growing and learning and sharing this gift of eternal life with others.

prayer

Lord,

We thank you for quenching our thirst for redemption with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. May we draw deeply from this well each day, living our lives in Your power, finding our callings and contentment in You. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

previous posts

eternal [ih-tur-nl]

adjective

1. without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing (opposed to temporal )

2. perpetual; ceaseless; endless:

3. existing outside all relations of time; not subject to change

4. timeless, immortal, deathless, undying, imperishable, indestructible.

What is eternal life? According to the dictionary definition, eternal life is ceaseless, endless, and perpetual. According to our verse, eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ. Eternal life doesn’t just originate with God, it is God.

The Greek word for know used in this passage of scripture is ginosko. Ginosko means, “to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of, to know by observance and experience, the knowledge viewed as the result of prolonged practice.” Knowing God isn’t synonymous with just knowing about God; even the demons believe and tremble. In order to truly know Him, we must accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for our sins. Once we have accepted Christ, the way is made for us to truly know God, by closely observing and experiencing Him as He walks with us day by day for all eternity .

Since God is infinite, we will continuously know God. We will forever discover new facets of His character and nature. With each discovery, we will glorify His name and rejoice in His holiness and goodness.

While waiting for God’s eternal kingdom, we will either live for self (the temporary), or for God (the Eternal). We will either store up treasures on earth (temporary-they will not last) or we store up treasures in heaven (eternal– they will not end). One will leave us empty, the other will fill us to overflowing.

How can you begin your eternal relationship with the only true God? By asking Him to be your Savior. What better time to become a child of God than the Easter season. We pray you will make this crucial decision today.

For step by step instructions on how to accept Christ as your Savior, please click on one of  the following links:

The Way to God

Becoming a Christian

Point to Ponder:

To whom can I extend God’s invitation of eternal life?

 Prayer:

Dearest Holy Father,

I thank you that You are the only True God and You have made  the way for us to know You through Jesus. I  have hope eternal for my challenges and concerns, because You are eternal. Nothing or no one is ever beyond Your ability to mend, forgive, or resurrect. Right now, I pray You would help me use my gifts and talents to bring eternal life to those who are in desperate need of a Savior. Thank You for Your grace, love, and salvation that will last for all eternity.

In Jesus Holy Name,

Amen

Previous Posts

Day 1 : Breath of Life

Day 2: The Life