The other day, I witnessed a lady at the grocery store, who knocked a large bottle of wine off the moving belt and onto the floor where it crashed and made a big mess. I had the urge to run over and pray that the “wine” would turn into “water”, so it would be easier to clean up. I didn’t.
There is different kinds of water out there in nature. There is clear water, mineral infused water, which looks yellowish, and there is also yukky water called, brackish.
In John 4, Jesus talked about water:
10 Jesus answered, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.”
11-12 The woman said, “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket to draw with, and this well is deep. So how are you going to get this ‘living water’? Are you a better man than our ancestor Jacob, who dug this well and drank from it, he and his sons and livestock, and passed it down to us?”
In a way, she was asking, “Who do you think you are?”
13-14 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”
After the above conversation, Jesus shared with the woman the details of her life. They had never met, so in that moment she became thirsty for his kind of water.
Through Jesus’ death one can have life, living water, and that water can nourish you for the rest of your life. So what does this have to do with us, who have drank this water? Wherever we are around other people, our attitude can affect the atmosphere. At times, our personality can draw others to us, because of the love of God in us. It can actually cause people to inquire why we are so different than others they have met before. This happened once with my neighbor, who he and his wife wound up accepting Jesus Christ.
So I ask, what kind of water are you serving others, in your community, your workplace, or in your home? Is it clear, refreshing, or is it yukky? Does it quench those around you, or leave a bad taste in their mouth? I hope, for their sake, they will desire the water you are serving up. If it needs to be different then try using a “Jesus” filter, which infuses love into your words and actions.
Copyright © 2020 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
What happens when you walk into a room of people? Are they glad to see you, or do they cringe? Do they come up to you and greet you, or do they pretend to be busy, and walk away hoping to avoid you? I had a boss that every morning when I saw her enter our department, I knew my peace was about to leave.
When I was four years old I was able to show people how to get from our house to JCPenny. I didn’t know the street names, but I knew when to get off the highway, and when to turn and which way. This may be more important; I knew how to get back home.
Today, will be the last time I will ever be in the home I grew up in. Dad passed away earlier this year, and on Monday the house will be transferred to its new owner. I will walk around remembering life within those walls. I will stare at my old bedroom. Life is about seasons, so though there are good feelings tied to that address, I don’t regret where I live now.
Where will you spend eternity? Will you be at home with the Lord, or in a totally dark pit falling forever, because hell is bottomless? Some ask, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” He doesn’t send people to hell, they send themselves. It’s your choice.
brady, mark a. 