As the harvest was gathered in this fall, many of us discussed our gardens — their successes and their failures. As we did so, I was delighted to discover that where certain vegetables had failed throughout town, all of our plantings had produced bountiful crops. However, I did not fool myself into thinking that it was due to my diligence and care, for I am one of the least experienced gardeners. I knew that what had made the difference for our gardens was the Water Man.
My family owns the water delivery service in town, and the Water Man, my son-in-law, faithfully filled our tanks and water barrels as often as three times a week all spring and summer. This was something that other town gardeners could not afford to do for their crops. Our extra water supply ensured that our gardens were never parched or dry or wanting for moisture, which in turn assured them of the best possible advantage for producing a bountiful harvest.
In a similar manner, Jesus is also the Water Man:
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” (John 4:13-14 NIV)
He and He alone is able to provide living water freely, at no charge, to the thirsty souls who humbly acknowledge their need and ask. His water satisfies the longings of the human heart, longings that we often try to quench ourselves, through seeking to fill ourselves up with positive thinking, material wealth and objects, numerous relationships, addictions, power, influential friends, or jobs. Yet, amidst it all, without Jesus and the living water that only He can provide, we still thirst, always longing for more.
With Him, however, life changes. We become more than satisfied, never to thirst again, as through His Spirit, our lives receive His living water: the waters of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, faith, truth, wisdom, strength, courage, and His presence with us now and for evermore — eternal life.
Yes, when we choose to accept Jesus, the Ultimate Water Man, this is what the Scriptures tell us:
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV)
If you haven’t already done so, won’t you choose Jesus, the Ultimate Water Man, today? I can guarantee that it’s a choice that you will never regret!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus, the Water Man from Whom any one may drink and never thirst again. Bless us with open hearts today to come to the waters and drink, for He welcomes all to come and be filled for the asking. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Copyright © 2021, by Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission