February 23, 2023
Thirsting for Something Different
“Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (NASB)
Many times, when we travel by air or car, I notice we are always thirsty. Thirsty for water. This is especially true when we fly. I used to think it was that most of us don’t really want to take trips to the restroom in flight. Then I read this: “…the air circulation system of any aircraft must take in breathable air from the outside of the plane and deliver it to the passengers, as it simultaneously cycles out the old air. However, the air outside of a plane at 35,000 feet tends to be extremely dry, with a humidity of only 10-20%. Compared to the comfortable level of 30-60% humidity that most people are used to, this tends to reduce the moisture within the body…Therefore, while you might feel as though you are properly hydrated before traveling, over the course of a flight, be it 2 hours or 12 hours, your body will lose a great deal of its water to the dry air around you...”[1] This also applies to riding in cars for long periods of time. Our body temperatures tend maintain a higher temperature as we sit for longer periods. This results in more sweat being produced by our body. So, imagine what it’s like to travel by foot in an arid region over a long distance. You are thirsty, tired and in need of a good drink of water!
As Jesus approaches the well tired from His journey, this is something all travelers face. They need water and rest. So, He sits by the well at the end of His journey. Yes, it is the end of His journey, for now. He knows who is coming, the Samaritan woman. He knows her condition. He knows everything about her. She needs something more than water. Even though His body requires water for refreshment, He was about to show her what “living water” could do to her life. Her question, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (vs. 9), is met with Jesus’ reply, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Jesus didn’t display anger toward her like the Jews would. In fact, they wouldn’t even talk to her. He wasn’t angry but thirsty. Thirsty to show her the “living water.” He was about to give her a spiritual answer to an earthly concern. She was talking about water that would take away his bodily thirst. He was talking about the thirst of her soul for something spiritual. Although she was an outcast of society, this did not concern Jesus. He offered her the doctrine of salvation. Her condition couldn’t be gained on any merit, just like us.
Just as physical thirst affects each one of us daily, so does the thirst for something more in this life. I might be able to drink something during a flight or car ride, but I will be thirsty after a few hours. I always need it. When it comes to spiritual things and eternal life, it only takes one drink from the Fountain of Life. I always needed it. When we do, we will never have to visit it again and again. One time is sufficient. This Fountain of Life is Jesus Christ. He is the “Living Water.” As a Christian, desire the “Living Water” each day and receive that living water you need to refresh your soul each day. It is His Word! Now take time today to thank the Living Water for giving you eternal life with Him!
[1] https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/why-does-traveling-make-you-dehydrated.html