Time and again, all of us have heard this advice: “Drink
lots and lots of water.” A medical snippet I read suggests that we drink
two glasses of water in the morning (to kick-start our internal organs), along
with one glass prior to meals (preferably warm for digestive purposes) and one
glass at bedtime (to prevent heart attacks and strokes). Other
medical professionals recommend eight glasses daily for a healthy water
regimen. Apparently, the consumption of
copious amounts of water is crucial to the maintenance of health.
First, let’s consider the natural, then the spiritual
ramifications. The compositions of both planet Earth and the human body
provide key clues to the Creator’s intent regarding water. Our world is
comprised of two-thirds water, in contrast with the totality of land
masses. Likewise, our bodies are approximately two-thirds water, which
varies somewhat based upon individual characteristics. Our brains are
seventy-five percent water; our lungs (believe it or not) are eighty-three
percent water. That fact makes drowning in water a bit more difficult to
understand, right? These facts clearly depict the biological necessity of
water.
Long distance runners talk about “hitting the wall,”
which means their energy level drops to nearly zero if they are not sufficiently
hydrated. The bottom-line is that our bodies are designed to function
best with ample H2O. It might seem counter-intuitive, but marathoners’
pit-stops for water do not slow them down. Instead, stopping a moment for water
quickens their steps and potentiates their ability to run and finish well.
Scientists who specialize in the search for
extraterrestrial life look for any evidence of water content on other
planets. Their conclusion: Where there is water, there is the possibility
of life.
In the Spirit realm, water is also of vital
importance. The word “water” is mentioned over 635 times in the
scriptures. Early in creation, “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of
the waters.” (Genesis 1:2) Shortly thereafter, God ordered “the waters
[to] bring forth abundantly the moving creature[s] that have life.” (Genesis
1:20) Thus, one could rightfully infer that sea life literally emerged
from those potent created waters at God’s command. Wow!
Jesus Christ invited the now famous Samaritan woman-at-the-well
to drink of “living water” that would forever quench her spiritual thirst.
(John 4:10) This ‘liquid’ spiritual encounter totally transformed her
life, and others in her community as well. The new birth operates just
like that. When your spirit-thirst is truly satisfied, you are highly
motivated to share that life-affirming experience with others. In the
final book of the Bible, Jesus invites “him that is thirsty” to drink “of the
fountain of the water of life freely.” This offer is generously extended
to all, that is, to “whosoever will.” (Revelation 21:6 and 22:17)
Even the sanctification of members of the Body of Christ
is predicated upon “the washing of water by the word.” (Ephesians
5:26) Thus, Christ’s spiritual water has both life-giving and
soul-purifying properties.
Within the New Jerusalem, John’s apocalyptic vision
reveals the presence of “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” And “on either side
of the river, was the tree of life…and the leaves of the tree were for the
healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2)
Beyond any shadow of doubt, we are now spiritually alive
because of Christ’s gracious infusion of LIVING
WATER. The superstitious Athenians created an altar dedicated to
“The Unknown God,” and there Paul identified The True Source of our very
existence: “In HIM we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:23;28)
Therefore, we must collectively resolve to drink plenty
of water. It will bless us and all whom we encounter. A classic
American Express television commercial contained this memorable slogan: “Don’t
leave home without it.” Respectfully, I beg to differ. You could
successfully leave home without an American Express card, but you should never
think of traveling anywhere or doing anything without THE LIVING WATER.
Amen? Amen!
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please
(above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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