Pauses for Lent Day 13
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Day 13 Word: WATER
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Water is one of the most powerful images that Jesus uses to describe himself. When Jesus calls himself our “living water,” He means He satisfies our deepest thirsts. Not only does this water quench our thirst but it also becomes like a spring bubbling up inside of us, filling us with the life God wants to give us.
For what do we thirst? Theologian and humanitarian Jean Vanier points out that to be thirsty in biblical language is to be “dried up inside,” “to feel totally empty and in anguish.” It is to thirst for a heart-to-heart connection with the living and loving God.
Jesus invites those who thirst to come to him and drink his life-giving water. To drink with Jesus is to receive His Spirit in our lives. The water Jesus offers makes our lives new.
Comment from Marie: Today’s word brings to mind the Bible verse, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” Psalm 42:1. This verse provides for me a powerful image of how being separated from God would feel. Sooooo thirsty!! What are your thoughts on today’s word? How does it make you feel?
Day 13 Word: WATER
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Water is one of the most powerful images that Jesus uses to describe himself. When Jesus calls himself our “living water,” He means He satisfies our deepest thirsts. Not only does this water quench our thirst but it also becomes like a spring bubbling up inside of us, filling us with the life God wants to give us.
For what do we thirst? Theologian and humanitarian Jean Vanier points out that to be thirsty in biblical language is to be “dried up inside,” “to feel totally empty and in anguish.” It is to thirst for a heart-to-heart connection with the living and loving God.
Jesus invites those who thirst to come to him and drink his life-giving water. To drink with Jesus is to receive His Spirit in our lives. The water Jesus offers makes our lives new.
Comment from Marie: Today’s word brings to mind the Bible verse, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” Psalm 42:1. This verse provides for me a powerful image of how being separated from God would feel. Sooooo thirsty!! What are your thoughts on today’s word? How does it make you feel?
2 Comments
This is one of my favorite passages. The imagery really resonates within me and reminds me of the hope we have in Jesus.
Water is life. And with Jesus we have life abundantly! When I think about water, I think about all its properties. It not only quenches our thirst, but is essential for our healthy organs, for cleaning and cooking, and even for fun and recreation. Water is life - so essential
- and the perfect, powerful image of our lives with Christ.