thirst (n) – 1. sensation of dryness; a basic need or instinct to drink arising from a lack of fluids. 2. strong or eager desire; an urgent craving.
Substance of Life
Water is the substance of life. In fact, the human body is comprised of over 70% water, and life cannot be sustained without it. As water plays a vital role in nearly every bodily function, we must constantly add fresh water to our body in order to keep it properly hydrated.
The main vehicle for alerting us to this need of hydration is the sensation we call ‘thirst’. In God’s creation of the human body, He implanted the sensation of thirst to alert us to this vital need.
In a similar way, a soul alienated from its Creator will likewise experience a spiritual thirst. This sensation is a God-given alarm, a way of alerting us to the urgent need for spiritual hydration.
Jesus said: "If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him." (John 7:37-38)
The “thirst” that Jesus was talking about is a thirst for righteousness, a longing to be rightly related to our Holy God. But, none of us, on our own, is righteous before the inscrutable judgment of God’s Law.
The Ten Commandments not only address our outward behavior, but also the inward intent of our heart. For example, Jesus said “Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in their heart.” Have you ever looked at another person with lust (sexual desire)? How many lies have you told in your life? How many things have you stolen (no matter the value)?
You see, as lying, theiving, adulterers- at-heart, we are cut off from the life of God. No wonder our souls are barren and thirsty!
Nothing satisfies the longings of the human soul–-nothing quenches this thirst-- like the living water we receive when, by faith in Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God.
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10)
The "Good News"!
We are all sinners who have violated the law of God and deserve the wrath of a holy God who will punish sinners for eternity in Hell. However, God in His love has provided a way to freely receive the forgiveness of our sins, and the promise of eternity enjoying the pleasures of the glories of God in Jesus Christ.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, died on the cross as a substitute for sinners like us. God’s just penalty on sin must be satisfied. We broke God’s law . . . yet Christ satisfied the penalty of God’s wrath. Having paid this sin-debt in full, He arose from the dead on the third day.
“God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
“...having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9)
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9)
Saved!
You can be saved from the wrath of God if you will turn in faith to Jesus Christ – repenting of your sin and trusting Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and Savior. Salvation is a gift of God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:12-13)
“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1)
Call Upon the Name of the Lord
As you become aware of that urgent sensation of ‘thirst’ and as God reveals Himself to you right now, ‘call upon the name of the Lord’ and commit yourself to Jesus Christ. Forsaking all other hopes, entrust your soul to His mercy alone. Read Psalm 51 and make it your prayer to God.
“God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (Luke 18:13)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
Drink... and forever be satisfied.
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