Are you thirsty?

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  

John 7:37–39

Are you thirsty?  Then Jesus is speaking to you.  Jesus says, "if anyone thirsts."  That is an open invitation to all who have thirst.  Thirst is the natural result of a lack of water that satisfies.  Our being feels parched, and we begin to long for a satisfying drink.  Everywhere a person goes, he can find wells promising water.  I was recently in India, where I was constantly warned, "don't drink the water!"  The water many of the Indians were drinking looked refreshing.  The temperature was searing and the humidity in some places was through the roof. It was so bad that I would pull out my camera and as soon as the lens cap came off, the lens would steam over!  In those conditions, I was often thirsty.  I saw other people drinking the water and was tempted to do so myself. Fortunately, I knew something about that water.  I knew that the water they were drinking may appear to quench my thirst momentarily, but would result in violent illness in my body.

Humanity seems to pursue many things to quench their thirst and it can be very tempting to pursue the same water sources.  What we often do not notice is the violent illness that results from it.  No, I am not talking about physical illness, but a spiritual sickness called sin.  Sin is to pursue anyone or anything to do what only God himself can do - satisfy our souls' deepest thirst.  That thirst drives us to quenching, but where do we go for quenching? Do we drink of the polluted well of success (finding security in being the best at something, thus not needing God)? Do we drink of the broken cistern of money (the illusion that monetary means will buy your happiness)? Do we drink of the stagnant swamp of so-called "love" (expecting some human relationship to bear the burden of godhood)? 

When thirst hits, where do you turn for quenching?  A contaminated source of water?  Or do you turn to the pure refreshing source, God Himself as Spirit indwelling you and satisfying your soul's greatest longings?  Jesus extends to each of us an invitation.  "Are you thirsty? Come to me for soul-satisfying drink."