"Thirsty"

"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." - John 4:13-14a (NIV)

I remember a scene from my childhood where my Dad and I would go into a hayfield a pick up hay bales for the horses our family owned.  Between the heat and the hay, it would not take long for our bodies to crave something that would satisfy our thirsts.  Thankfully, on the way back home, we would find a convenience store that proved to be an oasis.  I still recall turning up those glass bottles of Montain Dew, enjoying the last cool drop of refeshing soda. 

While those trips to the convenience store provided much needed rest and refreshment, it would not be long before that physical thirst would awaken once more.  Whether it was another trip to the hay field or the barn, a neighborhood or church basketball game, or some other activity, those physical pangs of thirst would eventually come back.  Water, Mountain Dew, or juice could never provide any kind of lasting satisfaction.  Truth be told, our physical bodies require daily replenishing of fluids, no matter the level of activity.

Our spiritual bodies work that way as well.  We are in dire need of daily spiritual nutrients, no matter how intense the spiritual warfare may be for any given day.  Physical water means physical life.  spiritual water means spiritual life.  The word "thirsty," or "dip-sah'-o", in Greek, occurs six times in the book of John.  Once, in John 19:28, the crucifixion scene, it denotes a physical thirst.  Jesus' six mock trials, endless beatings, a flogging, and crucifixion have produced this natural need.  But in the other five instances where this word is used , it is refering to the spirtual longings in our heart.  The second meaning of this word is "figuratively, those who are said to thirst who painfully feel their want of, and eagerly long for, those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened."  (Kittell). 

This was the deep need of the Samaritan woman Jesus encountered one day.  A social outcast, as she happened to be a woman and a frowned upon Samaritan, she also carried years of emotional baggage.  Five former husbands and a possible number six spoke much into her past and present.  Broken, dry, beat down, and weak.  She, although unaware, is a perfect candidate for grace.  We should be careful not to judge.  Each of us have pursued that one thing that we thought would bring lasting fulfillment.  For some it may be relationaships; for some it may be habits, for some it may be religion.  Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet, speaks to us: ""My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."  (2:13, NIV)  We, like the Samaritan woman, are perfect candidates for grace, whether we realize it or not.

Jesus reminds us that only he can provide what is everlasting.  Apart from him, we are pursuing dry and cracked cisterns.  No physical water means death.  No spiritual water means spiritual death.  The Samartian woman found the One who truly satisfies.  In Christ, we have everything we ever need.  The stagnant waters of the cistern are replaced by fresh "living" water.  Christ gives us a taste, now, of what is to come.  In the closing chapter of the Bible, John records these words: "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17, NIV)

Broken cistern or Living Water?  Where does his grace need to intersect your life, today?   Drink deep.   If this were a commercial, the voice over would say, "NOT SOLD IN STORES!"

"Pleasing"

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." -  Genesis 3:6 (NIV)

I love driving past the local Chevrolet dealership here in Roanoke.  I have been an admirer of the Chevrolet corvettes for years.  I love to cruise past the dealership and look at the 'vettes all lined up, which seemingly to call out, "Pick me!  Take me home."  And much like the child who cannot take the candy, the toy, or the new pet home, I, too, am forced to keep moving along my way without that nice 'vette.

No problem.  I am a realist.  I can say in most certainty that I will never have one.  Things out of reach almost always never pose a problem for us.  Shrug it off.  No big deal.  But, what about the things within our grasp?  It is hard to shrug those things off.  And that is where things can get a little complicated.

In the story of Adam and Eve, recorded in the opening chapters of Genesis, we are shown a portrait of a gracious God who has created mankind "in his image" (1:27) for intimate fellowship with himself.  The Lord planted a garden, named Eden, and gave man dominion over the created order (1:28).  But there were boundaries.  God would provide everything Adam and Eve could ever imagine, but God reserved the right to draw parameters, namely the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:17).  For a while, all was well.

Then one day, Eve got into a theological debate with a serpent.  I do not know how long this debate lasted, but things changed.  Imagine that one day, your whole world revolves around the Creator, God.  Then, you find yourself here; your ears listening, not to God, but to a serpent; your eyes, not on the Creator, but on fruit.  The Bible says in Genesis 3:6 that the fruit was "pleasing to the eye".  "Pleasing", "tah-av-aw" in Hebrew, means to lust or covet, a desire of the heart.  So this was more than just a simple, "Ooooo, pretty fruit!"  It was more of "Got to have it!"

Think about that for a minute.  With God, one gets everything their hearts can imagine, within the framework of submitting to the Creator.  But, without God, we allow the lure of being our own gods to transform us into lustful, covetous creatures seeking our own pleasure.  It is little wonder that Jesus would begin his ministry in the wilderness, "correcting" the decision of Adam and Eve.  Jesus resists the devil by keeping what really mattered before him (Matthew 4:1 - 11).  In Jesus we are reminded that, whatever pleasures this life affords, God can abundantly give at his discretion.  We also are reminded that it is not worth trading for self-fulfillment.

So, we are then reminded why we need the season of Lent.  We are reminded why we need a Savior.  Left to ourselves, we choose us.  Jesus comes to bring us back to the Father.  In this journey through Lent, may we follow in the steps of Jesus.  In this journey, may we be drawn closer to the heart of the Father.  May we find him to be everything what we could never be on our own.  Lusting after 'vettes is not my problem.  Wanting to be my own god?  Yeah, that's a problem.

"Glorify"

"Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."

- John 12:28 (NKJV)

The season of Lent in the Christian tradition is a time of reflection, introspection, self examination, and repentance. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent covers the 40 days leading up to Easter.  Through this 40 days, we are confronted with who we are in light of who God is.  As Easter dawn breaks, we are aware, more than ever, of what the death and resurrection of Christ means for us.

The Sunday before Lent, observed in 2011 on March 6th, turns our focus upon Jesus' transfiguration upon the mountain.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke all bring this story to light.  In the story, Jesus takes Peter, James and John upon a mountain.  In Matthew 17, we are told, "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus."  The purpose of this story seems to hinge on Jesus' glorification.  It both reveales who Jesus is and foretells the events that will transpire in Jerusalem with the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Upon descending the mountain, Jesus will begin the journey to Jerusalem, where he will fulfill the will of the Father.

In all three Gospel accounts, God himself, in a heavenly voice affirms the character and mission of his Son.  It is interesting that John does not follow the lead of the other Gospel writers.  The transfiguration story is not part of John's narrative.  What John does emphasize, however is the glorification of Jesus.  G.M. Burge points out that the greek word group for "glory", doxa / doxazein, is used 41 times throughout John.  This is more than the other Gospels combined (37).  So, maybe John does not need to reinforce a theme that has already been prevalent through the narrative.

What John has in common with the other Gospel writers though, is the voice from heaven affirming the mission of the Son.  In John's account, his prayer is that the Name of the Father would be glorified (12:28).   "Doxazo"  means "action involving the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive (Zodhiates).  What a prayer!  As we embark on this Lenten journey, could we be so bold as to pray this prayer?  Could the meditations of our hearts and the outworking of our faith bring "doxa" to Him?  What would my world look like if my soul desire was to give "doxa" to the Name of the Father?

Rest assured, when we pray, God answers!  In the story of Jesus, "doxa" has not only been given to Jesus throughout his ministry up to this point in the narrative, but it is promised for what is to come.  "I have glorified it" brings to mind the evidence of God in the ministry of Jesus.  Water is turned to wine (John 2), the eyes of both religous leaders and "outsiders" are opened (John 3-4), invalids are healed (John 5), multitudes are fed with small lunches (John 6), sinners receive forgiveness (John 8), and the dead are raised to life (John 11).  Yes, one who has sold out to the Kingdom will find God "glorifying" his Name through them! 

Jesus' death and resurrection would bring further "doxa" to the Father.  In this single monumental event, God would forever settle the conflict between being all powerful and all loving.  This one event forever blends the two, never to be separated.  The crucifixion forever settles the love issue, while the resurrection forever settles the power issue.  The debate is over.  Through his ministry, death, and resurrection, God's Name is given "the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive."

Through Lent, we follow the footsteps of the Savior.  As we begin the journey, we pray that his Name will be glorified in us.  If we are sincere in our prayer, we can have confidence that He will continue to do what we have failed to see all along.  Our lives have been and will be a testimony to his grace.

Well, I say, "Glory!"

"Bold"

"Therefore, since we have such hope, we act very boldly."

- 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NAB)

I think I got my first "lack of caffeine" headache the other day.  I still want to believe it is just psychological, with no medical certainty.  I am not really sure what to make of it, but there it was.  The remedy?  A venti Gold Coast Blend from Starbucks.  Extra bold.  Not bold.  EXTRA BOLD.  Better than a pill, the coffee worked its medicinal purpose, sending my headache away.

I probably cannot blame anyone but myself.  Over the last twenty years, my coffee preferences have gravitated towards the extra bold.  Folgers and Maxwell house no longer offer the same satisfaction as the selections offered at my local Starbucks.  As I read this passage of Scripture the other day while drinking a nice travel mug of Starbucks Christmas Blend, I begin to wonder what my "spiritual blend" is.

Some like their Christianity as a nice little morning diversion to help them "get moving" for the day.  Maybe something a little light and gentle.  A relationship with the Creator is not something to get all worked up about.  God is there when He is needed.  The church has other people doing stuff.  The Bible is ok, I guess, but why read it everyday.  It is a nice easy blend of Christianity.  It is enjoyble, but ultimately, you really do not have to deal with the headaches.

Others like a little more "kick" to their Christianity.  A richer, more balnced blend, if you will.  They take their places at the church.  They love the great old stories of the Bible.  They can tell you about the life of Jesus, quote spiritual maxims, and tell you about the "good ol' days of the church", all while feeling really good about it.  It is a nice blend.  It showcases our spirituality without being too radical.  It is one that, for a moment, can give you a little satisfaction.

And then there are those apostle Paul types.  No watered down Christianity for them.  No cream or sugar, please.  In fact, a couple of shots of espresso will top off that extra bold, extra tall cup of power surge really nice, thank you.  What type of Christianity does this look like?  It is a radical abandonment to the Father for a divine purpose.  It is not for the faint of heart.  There is nothing safe or gentle about it.  In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of great pressure that called into question his own endurance (1:8 - 10), anguish of heart (2:4), carrying the death of Jesus, so his life might be revealed (4:10 - 12).  Notice Paul's words in chapter 6:

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything (NIV).

Now that's boldness!  Why could Paul be so bold?  He knew the hope he had.  A relationship with God gave him a hope, not only in the present, but in the life to come.  When Paul locked on to that, He could do nothing except to act with boldness.  The greek word "parrhesia" means "freedom and frankness in speech."  It also carries the meaning of "free and fearless confidence."  There is no way Paul would travel this road if it were not for the hope he had.  This was born out of his relationship with God.

So, what is your blend?  The easy way might bring minimal satisfaction, but true Christianity is about abandoning ourselves to the Father.  When we discover the hope that we have been given, and when we realize that we are messengers of that hope, watered down Christianity does not work anymore.  Yeah, there are some headaches when participating at this level.  Oh, but how good it is when we see God at work!

I could say more, but my mug is empty and I am going to visit some of the shut ins.  I think there is a Starbucks on the way.

"Light"

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"   John 8:12 (NRSV)

On several occasions, my family and I have taken day trips to some of the popular caverns in Virginia.  It certainly is a joy to see the wonders of God's wonderful creation from a different  perspective.  The formations and glassy pools are a marvel to look at.  One of the highlights of the cavern tour, is when the guide will, with warning, turn out all of the lights, leaving the cavern visitors in complete darkness.  Unable to see anything, it is in the best interest of everyone to stay still.  I still remember clutching my children tightly so they would not trip or fall in the darkness.

Darkness can certainly play havoc on the senses.  At the least, one may become disoriented, lose sense of direction, and become lost.  At the most, the darkness can render one completely blind, resulting in injury or death.  This is true not only in the physical realm, but the spiritual realm as well.


In this passage, Jesus proclaims himself to be the "phos" (light) of the world.  "Phos" means to shine or make manifest.    Jesus has come to shine, expose, and illuminate.  It stands to reason that there must be some grand reason why Jesus makes this declaration.  Could it be it is because he is the light that illuminates my understanding of who I am and Whose I am?  Certainly I am capable of figuring things out on my own, right? 


Time and time again, Jesus shows himself to be for us what we cannot be in and of ourselves. It is important to note that Jesus does not merely give us light.  He is the light.  He does not shine a beam.  He is the beam.   As with most lighting, my way becomes clearer and safer when that light is applied to my path.    He is the "light of life".    In him I find "light" for traversing this rough terrain of life.  In his absence, I am left with darkness.  Without him, I may as well be trying to navigate this journey of life much like a cavern visitor would try to find his or her way out of the depths of the earth in pitch black.


Feeling in the dark?  Let him be your light!