The "Thirst" of Your Soul

"Those who do not thirst for the pure waters of desire which are poured out for us by the strong, living God, are usually those who have drunk from other rivers or have dug for themselves broken cisterns."  -Thomas Merton

When one thinks of the word thirst, a few things can come to mind. For instance, someone who has exerted themselves, in one way or another, might think of thirst as a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat caused by the need of liquid.

Another type of thirst can be a strong, eager desire or craving for something. It is this second type of thirst that I would like to discuss with you today. Let's apply this definition to the scripture verse found in John 19:28 (KJV).

As you initially read this verse, you might find it confusing that He who is "the Living Water" would be thirsty. But if you go back and read John, Chapter 19 again in its entirety, it all starts to come together to form a picture.

It wasn't so much that the crucified Jesus "thirsted" as we think of thirst in our frail, mortal understanding of the word. To truly comprehend, we must look at his "thirst" through a spiritual lens. It is only then that "thirst" takes on a completely different meaning.

From this perspective, it's possible to see his considerable, spiritual "thirst" and ardent desire for the salvation of his people; that's you and I! We could never in a million years begin to understand the mystery of God's amazing grace in which Christ took our sins upon himself and suffered as a sinner (2 Corinthians 5:21).

And, it was while on the cross that Jesus experienced the deprivation of being stripped of the conscious awareness of both the favor, and the company of God. He didn't go through all without reason. He suffered through this lonely, poverty for our sake, so that we might experience the riches of the promise of God's love, and abiding presence (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Jesus strongly, desired to return to heaven and be reunited with his Father. With this in mind, we can see now that Jesus "thirsted" for the full restoration of fellowship with God; which he had known before creation and the beginning of his earthly mission of salvation (John 17:5); and which would ultimately lead to his crucifixion.

In his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, Chapters 5-7), Jesus laid out the ideal characteristics of the citizens of his kingdom. One of these is a "hunger and a thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). Ask yourself this, "Do you further or strengthen the "thirst" of your soul for God through Bible study and prayer?"

Another way to intensify the "thirst" of your soul for fellowship with God is by improving or refining both your public, and private worship habits. The lack of a passionate "thirst" for God may indicate that you are either spiritually dead, or a Christian who is ailing spiritually.

Don't let this describe you! Satisfy the "thirst" of Jesus today, right now, by opening the door of your heart and allowing him to enter as Lord and Savior!

Scripture: John 4:14; Isaiah 44:3; Revelation 22:17; Romans 10:13; Exodus 17:6  

Prayer: Dear God, my soul thirsts for You, lead me to Your Living Water that I may quench my thirst for righteousness. Amen

May God bless you always!

Kasey