Cool, Clear Water

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
June 19, 2024
John 7:37-38

This morning, I had every intention to sit with my coffee, pray and study when my deck became active with squirrels, birds, a groundhog, and now a baby raccoon all looking for food and water. I knew it was already getting hot outside, so I decided to feed and water the zoo. Water, seemed to be the focus, so I cleaned our makeshift bird bath, emptied a cooler full of water bottles to be refrigerated, gathered water for our rosebushes; it was all about water. I will say my toes enjoyed the cool clear water as I cleaned and filled buckets.

Cool, clear water. What a blessing! In a world where so many do not have access to safe drinking water, I am reminded to try conserve while at the same time providing for all around me who need it. There is a thirst that is greater than being a bit dehydrated, it’s the thirst for righteousness. To be in right standing with the God who created each of us in His image and longs for us to seek His will and His way. Jesus spoke boldly to a crowd who had gathered for the Feast of Tabernacles, a crowd of thirsty people; “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow through him”. That’s what God wants all his children to be; pipelines of cool, clear, living water. Jesus was speaking about the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to bring life, help and hope to a dying, thirsty people.

Today marks a time of reflecting upon the many who have been left to go thirsty, who must have felt abandoned because of slavery. Many who had heard people preaching but didn’t see the reality of God’s love and provision through the preachers. It is hard to imagine that there were slaves who were emancipated, but didn’t know it, I understand that it would take nearly 2 ½ years after the emancipation proclamation for the slaves in Galveston Texas to be free. The sad truth is that there are untold numbers of people in bondage in many ways not due to their own making but do to an unjust culture. We need to bring them cool, clear, living water-a free gift that can bring true freedom.

Today, consider taking a bit more time to be thankful for the cool, clear, water you may have to sip on. Consider seeking how we all might be a better witness of forgiveness, justice and love. It can be refreshing.

Amen!