Is anyone thirsty?

At our Church Council meeting last night the basis of our opening devotions was Psalm 46. Verses 4 to 7 go like this:

‘There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’

In practical terms the city of God referred to is probably Jerusalem and the river a reference to the underground waters believed to have run beneath the city. However, there is a spiritual dimension to the Psalm that rarely fails to inspire and encourage me. Last Sunday I spoke of Jesus’ promise; ‘Out of the believers heart shall flow rivers of living water.’

The final chapter of the Bible continues the water theme with mention of the ‘river of the water of life’ and among the closing verses we find:

‘The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty, “Come.” Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.’

How is your spiritual thirst? There is a song that asks – ‘Is anyone thirsty?’ It’s a good question. When I first sensed the call of God in my life there was a lot about it that was puzzling. Yet there was one thing about it that was certain and that is that I was being called to the thirsty.

Many Christ followers today have lost their thirst for God. There is a lack of desire to go deep and discover the abundant rivers of God that bring healing and restoration. There is a lack of expectation that God is present among his people and in their gathering and scattering might choose to do amazing things!?

We have become used to shallow and with Christmas nearing it will be nice to recall the baby Jesus, the stable, Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds and wise men. Christmas is much more popular than Easter – Easter is tapping into deep water and generally we prefer Hot Cross buns to nails! There is no lack of depth with Christmas but woe betides the preacher who tries to go there. I know, I’ve tried it!

It is great preaching in a thirsty environment. Some weeks are different to others but I find NorthWest one of those thirst filled places these days. Last Sunday was a great example and probably appropriately so as I was splashing water around for Nathan’s baptism.

I find the greatest thirst is often among people on the edges, sometimes well away from the church. They are desperate for a drink and yearn for someone, or some group to offer it. Naively I still believe that the local church can provide that drink; if they believe in the water enough.

Is anyone thirsty?

Cheers - John