4 Ways Jesus is Our Living Water
Photo by Fransiskus Filbert Mangundap on Unsplash
My husband and I marvel at the beauty around us.
We have finally made it to the mountain lake near our home and are stunned.
As we walk the perimeter trail, a breathtaking cornucopia is spread out before us.
We can scarcely take it all in.
Like diamonds on the water, the sun sparkles against a backdrop of mountains painted various greens and a clear sky of blue.
Ducks, geese, and even a few swans effortlessly float on the ripples created by the warm, gentle breeze.
Life is teeming all around this lake.
The water drew them in. The plants, fish, foul, people.
Like a crowd squeezing in close to see a celebrity, buildings, homes, parks, camps, and nature cluster around the water to be in her presence.
Many homes in the vicinity with a direct lake view stand at attention as if to honor the lake’s majesty. The homes behind them stretch up tall longing for the same view with elevated porches and decks.
All postured to receive all the water is willing to give.
Everywhere people are drawn to water. For sport, peace and relaxation, recreation, refreshment, sustenance.
It is in this waterside environment we can relax, knowing all our needs will be taken care of.
Is it any wonder Living Water is mentioned in Scripture multiple times, especially by Jesus?
We are drawn to water for its life-giving properties and He is the source of all life.
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13 ESV)
Let’s explore four ways Jesus is our Living Water.
Restoration
We blew it.
The first runaways.
Instead of running away from a horrible situation, we ran from perfection and in the process, tore ourselves away from our Loving heavenly Father.
We created the chasm between us.
But God foreknew our tomfoolery and provided for our restoration. He provided a way back to Him. He gave the perfect for the imperfect, the sinless for the sinner.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17)
Rest
If we could bottle peace and sell it, do you think people would buy? We’d be instant millionaires.
Jesus offers us this priceless peace and rest.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)
He tells us in Matthew 11:28-29 to come to Him all who are weary and burdened and He will give us rest.
He gives us rest in two ways; rest from the burden of sin when we confess and repent and accept Him as our Lord and Savior and rest from the weariness of life when we cast our cares on Him instead of trying to carry all our concerns ourselves (1 Peter 5:7).
Renewal
In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash
When we receive our new life through Jesus, we become a new creation. The old has gone the new has come according to 2 Corinthians 5:17.
We are a new creation - how amazing!
And we begin our eternal life as a new creation the moment we repent and start living for Jesus.
Refreshment
Water beckons us to come, sit, and let go of our worries and cares.
Whether ocean, lake, or stream, we know there is something special about this environment.
There is usually a distinctive smell and almost always a welcome breeze.
Not only do we see beauty all around us, but we know a fascinating world waits to be discovered below the water’s surface.
Plus ‘Blue Health’ is a recent discovery. The benefits of being around water are just as beneficial as green spaces or green therapy – which is known to reduce stress and anxiety by spending time in nature.
Our need for and connection to nature makes perfect sense. God is the Master Creator and we are part of His creation.
In Him, we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28 ESV)
How do you see Jesus in your life?
For more encouragement and inspiration check out these other posts:
