I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people. Isaiah 43:20
 
Jesus said to the woman, "Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." John 4:14
 
Almost every summer when I was a girl, our family would make the trip from eastern South Dakota to the Black Hills to visit relatives. It was usually early August, and the trip was made in the days before air conditioned vehicles. Well, actually, air conditioning meant four car windows rolled down; a jug filled with rapidly warming water that had to be shared by the whole family; hot wind blowing in our faces for 400+ miles; and as few necessary stops as possible. All of this added up to unbelievable thirst and ears ringing from the incessant wind blowing in through the open windows. Water rarely tasted as good as it did during our stops for using the rest rooms and getting drinks of fresh cold water.
 
Jesus spoke to his listeners in parables to which they could relate. As I read today's verses, I was immediately reminded of the childhood memory which I just shared. I think it amazing that these words apply to us today just as they did to those who heard them in Bible times. What a beautiful way Jesus chose to predict the importance in believing in his power to save each one of us and bring us to eternal life with him in his kingdom.
 
Think of a time when you have been parched with thirst. Remember the relief that a cool drink of water brought. Jesus knew how to tell generations of the importance of believing in him in order to partake in the wonders of salvation through his death, resurrection, and ascension.
 
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Thank you for telling us of the wonders you have in store for us in words that we can understand. We are blessed that you offer each of us who believe a geyser of grace. Help us to share your news with others. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield
Ministries
Teaching Mission Party