Time we commit - by Ben Bonython
I only know my wife because of the time we spend together. The time we commit, not just to work or recreation, activities or dishes or even children, but the time we actually make to just be together. Jesus asks us if we know Him? Jesus speaks into our world by asking us two questions:
- Do we know the gift God has given us?
- Do we know that Jesus is still speaking to us?
These two questions are found in John 4:10 but before we think about these questions, let's look at living water first. Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
Firstly, living water is something we are intuitively seeking and need to live, as depicted by the woman at the well working for water. Jesus expands further in John 7:38 about the source of living water being himself: Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’
Living water is connected to flowing water, water this is fresh, moving, changing; as opposed to stagnant, still and polluted water, like the Torrens being closed in summer facing an algae bloom. When we dig for our own water, it is hard work physically, and nearly always more salty and dirtier than running fresh water from a river. Jesus speaks of His own heart as the source of the living water, which flows towards us - love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, hope, purpose - and just because.... There is no need to dig or store it - just ask and receive and drink. John 7:39 explains further:
When He said “living water,” He was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in Him.But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into His glory.
Can you imagine the heart of Jesus, a heart that flows living water for our soul and being, yet we look to other places and spaces to dig for our own water - all the while the Spirit is right within the believer. We search for fulfillment and peace and home in relationships, in things, in activity, and in trying to meet our needs ourselves - but it never delivers what it promises....
So Jesus asks us and encourages us to remember the gift of Salvation, to remember the source of living water that nourishes our soul - to remember the heart of our saviour. And to remember that Jesus is still speaking to us.
Whatever you are facing - you can ask Jesus. However deep you are in - you can ask Jesus. Wherever you find yourself living and working- you can ask Jesus. The shame of the situation you are in - you can ask Jesus.
However hard you have worked and good you have been - you can ask Jesus for living water - and in every circumstance - experience afresh His peace, fulfillment, acceptance and wholeness. In fact, you find your true home. In Jesus, you are reminded that you belong to Him.
Jesus reminds us that He is the one who gave His life for us, and His heart for you is like living water that causes us to thrive and live and grow - abundantly.
Take time with Jesus, pray and speak with Him, share your heart with Him, and listen for His voice. Let His word encourage you afresh - everyday! We can know Jesus more and more, everyday.