thirst quencher

Proverbs 10

John 4

1 John 2

1 John 3

 

A friend and I were discussing the story of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, and he elucidated an interesting point:  both Jesus and the woman come to the well physically thirsty for water.  Neither of them are recorded as drinking, yet they both leave the well satisfied!  Jesus explains that He is satisfied by doing the will of His Father.

 

Wow!  I wish I was that focused on spiritual purpose and fulfillment.  Instead, I'm so bent on satisfying my physical thirst that I often times miss the opportunity to engage in something spiritually fulfilling.   I wonder what would happen in my life if I were to spend more time listening to the Spirit's promptings rather than my stomach.

 

I'm getting a nice flavor of John's perspective since I'm reading from his Gospel account and his letters.  I'm impressed with the simplicity of his summary at the end of chapter 3; it's very logical:

18 Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. ... 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.   23 And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. 24 Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

Practical.  We've got to keep this faith stuff practical.  It's not a mess of abstract spiritual hullabaloo; it is metaphysical reality that is demonstrated and proven through simple, tangible actions.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of eternal and practical everyday salvation through the loving actions of your Son Jesus Christ.  Lord, please help me be spiritually thirsty for more of You, and may I find satisfaction in pursuing and knowing You!  Father, make me look like Jesus through my actions.  I pray that You will give me love to give away to others.  May I be guided in thought and deed by Your Holy Spirit inside me.  I pray that your power will flow through my life in practical, tangible actions.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the One who is completely obedient to the Father.  Amen.