ANYONE CAN DRINK

Jn.4,13,14 – Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”

Anyone can drink, it is a basic part of being a creature living on planet earth. Everything from otters to donkeys, llamas to elephants all have that one thing in common; we all drink. Jesus used this opportunity sitting by a well on a hot day to describe our basic spiritual need as humans in everyday practical terms everyone can relate to. This Samaritan women was thirsty on two levels. It was the middle of the day and she was hot, she needed a drink. She had also had quite a disappointing life which increased her other kind of thirst, she needed living water and just didn’t know it existed. That’s how it is with most people, they are thirsty for real life and have no idea that a beverage to quench that thirst even exists. Here is how Spurgeon describes this situation.

“No waiting or preparation is so much as hinted at. Drinking represents a reception for which no fitness is required. A fool, a thief, a harlot can drink; and so sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in Jesus. We want no golden cup, no bejeweled chalice, in which to convey the water to the thirsty; the mouth of poverty is welcome to stoop down and quaff the flowing flood. Blistered, leprous, filthy lips may touch the stream of divine love; they cannot pollute it, but shall themselves be purified. Jesus is the fount of hope. Dear reader, hear the dear Redeemer’s loving voice as he cries to each of us”

“IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME AND DRINK.”

Jesus always offers us a drink of this living water. What is the secret to receiving this drink? Jesus went right to the point with this thirsty woman. He said only two things were necessary. First, we must know who He is. Do you know who Jesus is? Really? Have you sensed His greatness lately? Second, you must recognize the gift of God. The Holy Spirit is the gift and anyone can drink it. Like Spurgeon said, “a fool, a harlot, or a thief can drink”. I guess that includes me. Maybe its time to have a good long drink, we may be thirstier than we know.