DRINKIN’ AND SINKIN’
By Doug Pierce
Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14
DRINKIN’ AND SINKIN’
Did you know that Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world with the population of 20 million people, is sinking? It is literally sinking! Every year buildings and streets are sinking deeper into the earth. Some neighborhoods are sinking a foot a year. In fact, this sinking has averaged 22 feet in 60 years. Do you know why? Because the people who live there are thirsty. Seventy-seven percent of the water the people rely on has to be drawn from the aquifers (wells), which are below the city. To quench their thirst, billions of gallons of water have to be pumped from underground every year and as they drain it, the city sinks. In addition, much of the water is contaminated and can bring disease and eventual death.
What’s most amazing to me is the residents don’t seem to be very disturbed about it. Maybe it’s because the sinking is happening so gradually, they’re not even aware of what’s going on. They just keep drinkin’ and sinkin’!
When I read about this dreadful situation in that huge city of people, it reminded me of this world. This world is much like a giant Mexico City. There are so many today who are drinking from the worldly wells of sin and don’t seem to know, or care, they’re slowly sinking in hopeless eternal ruin.
THE DRINK THAT SATISFIES
We read in the Bible of a dear lady who came to a well one day to get water. Her name is not mentioned because I think she’s represents the many today who’ve never met the Lord Jesus. Jesus knew she would be there that day and was already waiting for her to come. As He watched her making her way to the well to get water for the day, He saw the deeper thirst of her soul. He knew this woman had been drinking from the well waters of sin for many years. He knew of her endless search for acceptance and happiness. He knew she had been married five times and was presently living with a man. Her previous five marriages and present living with a man, speaks of the always-dissatisfying cycle that sin consistently takes one.
Her sinful past and her wretched present life didn’t repel Him from her, or cause Him to condemn her . . . it’s actually what drew Jesus to her! This is why He came to this earth. Jesus came to “seek and to save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10). When she arrived at the well, He said to her,
The woman replied, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not . . .” [1] And it was during the course that conversation with Jesus those few moments, her search for happiness and fulfillment ended! Her life was dramatically transformed! The thirst of her soul was suddenly quenched! Jesus, by His amazing grace and love, forgave her and lifted her from the miserable pit of sin!
I love what the Bible says in verse 28. It says, “ . . . she left her water pot” . . . She was so touched, changed and excited in her heart; she forgot why she’d even come to that well in the first place! And the Bible says she went into the city to tell everyone about Jesus (28-29)! Praise God! Sin sinks, but His love lifts!
I’m reminded of the words of an old hymn. “I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore; Very deeply stain within sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry; From waters lifted me, now safe am I…LOVE LIFTED ME!”
Amen?!
WHAT ABOUT YOU, TODAY?
Do you feel like you’ve been drinkin’ and sinkin’? Could it be you’re trying to quench the thirst of your soul from the well waters of the world? This encounter Jesus had with the woman at the well is a reminder to each of us that this world can never satisfy the deepest need of our hearts. Look to Jesus and He’ll lift you from sin’s weary path! This lady is also a reminder to us that no one has sunk to low that His loving hand can’t reach! Let’s follow her example. We too will become abundantly excited about our relationship with Jesus, and “leave our water pots” behind while we are running to tell others of His love!
Think it over . . .
Doug Pierce is a Church planter and a pastor. In 2003 he started, and continues to pastor First Independent Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. His #1 priority is to glorify God in all aspects of ministry. He does this through teaching his congregation to Love God, Love One Another, and Love Others to God. Prayer, outreach, and church growth through evangelism are vital parts of his ministry. He and his wife Suzanne live in Madison, Mississippi where they also enjoy their children and grandchildren.
To find out more about Doug‘s ministry visit the FIMC Website
Feature Photo by Yoann Boyer
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