Dying of Thirst

In this long spell of uncommonly hot weather, we are all encouraged to keep drinking.

The tragic deaths of the two TA soldiers over the weekend, in the Brecon Beacons, was almost certainly because they had not been drinking enough. 

Without water, we die quite quickly.

The recent controversy over the 'Liverpool Pathway' for the care of the terminally ill has focused in recent days on the fact that water is refused to those in their last days. As some have observed, people are dying of thirst.

The Bible is full of reminders that we are wired up to be thirsty for a deep experience of the living God. 

In the Psalms, we read, 'As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.  I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?' (Psalm 42.1-2)

The Prophet Isaiah presents a glorious invitation from the Living God to all who would listen. '“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free!' (Isaiah 55.1)

Jesus himself makes startling promises about His capacity to refresh and renew us, as we come to Him in trusting acceptance of His offer. 'On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)' (John 7.37-39)

Today, all of us need to drink deeply from Jesus, so that His Spirit may flow through us to bring life to others, who are dying of thirst.

What a privilege.

Best wishes,

Richard