Dear Explorer,
Re-read John 4:7-18
Living water? By now I hope that you understand that Jesus loved analogies!
What is He calling Living Water?
Remember, we're looking for the answer to our question of how to fill our empty God-shaped core with God. So, keep your eyes open!
Not only is the hole empty – but it is doing everything within its power to fill that void. Some people try success or popularity. Some fill it with entertainment or pleasures. Some fill it with food or clothes or toys, etc., but nothing satisfies. What a sad life to always feel empty and not be able to satisfy that ache. But that's the situation for most of the people in our world today. And, today we see Jesus encounter a woman who has tried to fill her empty spot with love or men or whatever you want to label it.
In these verses, Jesus says, “I've got something that will satisfy so that you'll never feel empty again.” Jesus called it Living Water, but I think He was referring to Himself. Remember only God can perfectly fill and satisfy a God-shaped void.
Do you think Jesus knew who He was talking with?
I do!
Because of her reputation, she was not welcome to draw water in the cool early morning with the other women. They would have thrown rocks at her and been very mean to her.
Do you think He understood how empty and lonely and rejected she felt?
I do.
Did Jesus back away from her because of her reputation?
Remember that Jesus (God) knows everything about us. He's not surprised by anything. He knows that we're not good all the time and He knows when we are positively awful – by His standards and by our own. God is not squeamish about our pasts. In fact, that's why He came! He knows how empty you feel without Him and He wants you to know that He is the Only One who can fill your emptiness. He loves you!
In His service, dale.
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