Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 19:28, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!'”

Background

I ache. Yesterday afternoon, unexpectedly and simultaneously, both sides of my lower back started aching. I have never had any kidney issues and don’t know if I have one now, but something out of the ordinary is going on, and it certainly has gotten my attention. And if I breathe deep, the ache releases a sharp, definite pain that is rich with its own sensations. And so I’m praying for relief. But I’m also praying for God to show me something within this unpleasantness, perhaps about myself or someone close by. I want to see a working from the Lord, experience a deepening dependence on Him and His grace. I want this localized pain to turn my eyes off of me and put them where He wants them. There was a time during my life, though, when I wasn’t so interested in that. I was believing and churching, but I wasn’t thirsting. I hadn’t turned my back or walked away, but it was more like I was floating rather than paddling vigorously to get to shore. I wasn’t considering God having a purpose for me each day. I wasn’t seeking or hungering or thirsting.

Application

But we must thirst. Jesus physically thirsted on the cross because the scriptures had to be fulfilled. We have to thirst because our souls need to long for Jesus for Him to be glorified through us. We have to thirst so we’ll keep coming to the living water. It’s possible for the days to go by without longing for the Lord. And those days can turn into months and years. And if you’re there, then perhaps by God’s grace you’ll start to ache. And Lord willing, that ache will be more than a simple pulled muscle or an infection. Just maybe, that ache will turn into a thirst that renews your longing for and dependence on the Savior. Just maybe, you’ll realize how odd it is to go for so long and not be thirsty, and you’ll pray for relief, the kind of relief that delivers you from just floating and drifting and sets you on your way for His purposes. I ache, and thank God I do, for I can never have too many reminders of how great God is and how much I need Him.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to bless you with a discomfort that requires you to find your comfort in Him. And thank Him for His faithfulness, even during the times when we don’t thirst.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words