Meditations from Zion

John 7:37B
…Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink….”

It’s quite simple: if you are thirsty…. drink! But, are we thirsty? Am I? In a lifestyle and environment in which all of my needs are met, how often have I really been thirsty? I’m talking about the kind of thirst that supersedes everything else I’m doing. Rare, really! Very rare.

Most of my “needs” are really “wants.” And I’m afraid I’ve perpetuated this state of affairs with my children, who now, as teenagers, believe they “need” the latest brand name, a handbag for every outfit, and professional sports equipment. How can I expect them to be thirsty for Christ? They drink from plastic water bottles that now come in designer shapes!

No one will respond to the call of the Christ until he/she recognizes a need. In the end, most of the metaphors are meaningless in a world where water, bread, shelter and psychotropic drugs are plentiful.

Even Jesus had to come to a point of need. On the cross, he said, “I thirst.” And it was not just for water, it was for everything else that God had for him. His entire being craved to be satisfied: to drink, to heal, to be released from pain, to finish what he had started.

Lord, forgive my complacency that has grown from the very blessings you have given, gifts you have given out of your love for me. I give thanks. It is time to take the next step.