Water for the Thirsty
Author: Jim Reapsome (Illinois, US)
One hot, humid summer afternoon I was sitting on my patio when I heard a delivery truck approaching our cul-de-sac. I watched as the driver knocked on my neighbour’s door. Mary greeted him with a smile, took a small parcel and then said to him, ‘Would you like a glass of cold water?’ The driver eagerly accepted her kind offer.
As this scene of Christian love and service unfolded before my eyes, I recalled how Jesus had declared that his kingdom people would be marked by their deeds of mercy, like giving a drink to a thirsty person. A simple gesture like that, he explained, was like giving a drink to him. After the driver pulled away, I went next door and thanked Mary for what she had done. She told me, ‘After the driver thanked me he said, “God bless you”, and I told him I believe in Jesus, and he said he did, too.’
Their conversation caused me to ask myself, ‘How many opportunities like this come my way, and I fail to do something as simple as offering water to a thirsty worker?’ Mary’s example reminds me that Christ’s followers need always to be ready to offer both the water that quenches our thirst and the water of eternal life that Jesus gives to a thirsty world.
Prayer: Dear God, remind us to supply those in need with sustenance for their bodies but also the water of life that brings salvation to all who believe. Amen
