The Water of Life

 Pastor Reino Maunu
 Watertown, South Dakota

 "Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of
 my soul." (Richard Blanchard)

 Thus the songwriter bares the intense desire and inward need of his heart
 in prayer and supplication. Like the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in her
 converse with the lone figure reclining there (John 4), her heart was made
 aware of its parched condition, prompting a similar supplication for the
water that alone would satisfy its thirst.

 Interestingly, Jesus first speaks the gospel to her in order to draw her
 unto Himself. He speaks of the gift of God and who it is that is speaking
 to her (the blessedness of the gift and source of it). Then Jesus speaks
 the law to her in order that her heart would be made contrite: *Go, call
 thy husband, and come hither.* (John 4:16) This served to show her the
 desperate condition of her heart.

 Jesus helped this unnamed woman with confession and then her faith*. I
 that speak unto thee am he.* (John 4:26) The gospel narrative states that
 she left her water pot and went into the city to speak to the others about
 Christ. The natural things of life gave place to the blessed and eternal
 water of life that now satiated her soul.

 Many an attempt among men has been made in various ways to stifle the
 inward longing of the soul. Nothing is able to quench the thirst of the
 soul. Wealth, fame, this present world, carnal wisdom and its associated
 reasonings, or any other temporal good can at best offer only a temporary
 reprieve. Augustine has stated: "The soul, created for God, will not rest
 until it rests in God."

 The permanent quenching of the thirst of the soul is the unspeakable gift
 of God. Christ Jesus given for our ransom, the gift of eternal life in Him,
 the gracious influences of the Holy Ghost and every saving blessing alone
 satisfy the soul already in this life with its eventual consummation in
 heaven's eternal kingdom. Its inception is faith given to the heart by the
 hearing of the Word. Jesus invites all who thirst to come unto Me and drink
 (John 7:37). This invitation is without any distinction, only that the
 heart is drawn to the source of this living water which is Christ. The
 water itself is spiritual and eternal life given by the Lord for the
 satisfaction of the soul. The seeking Savior calls man to this refreshing
 renewing and purifying fountain through the Gospel. May many hearken to His
 invitation to receive His gift.

 *And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
 Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take
 the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17) *

 Lord, grant to as many as thirst the water that causes the soul to thirst
 no more. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 In God's peace and love.