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“Later, knowing that all was now
completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am
thirsty.”” – John 19:28
The land was cracked and brittle. It hadn’t rained in well over 100 days,
perhaps even 150 when I walked along the pathway. The days average temperature had been 98,
with several days above 100. The normal
humidity which was in the air, to the point that made you feel wet as soon as
you stepped out the front door was eerily absent. I’m referring to the summer of 2011 here in
Houston, Texas. The longest drought I
can remember and many say the longest on record. Parched ground, brown grass, dead trees and
bushes, no flowers, but plenty of weeds.
Everyone carried waters bottles with them as I recall. I compare this to the trip I made to Israel
in 2001 and I recall the desert heat well over 100 each day with no rain. There was no humidity there either, but there
was foliage. Flowers were still
blooming, mango and date trees lined the country side, fields were green and
the yards in residential areas had thick green grass. The people again carry water bottles with
them everywhere we went.
Water is from the Lord. He created the oceans and He created the waters above the firmament. He decides where the wind shall blow and when the rain shall fall. Who, if not God stores up rain in the heavens? Who, if not God, created the water that streams from the mountains when the snow melts? Who, if not God, created the water that springs from deep inside the earth? Who, if not God, created the amniotic waters of the womb? He and he alone could have released a shower of rain on that day, when His Son hung on that cross in a weakened state.
The words “I thirst” are the shortest of the seven words from the cross. Jesus uttered these words after hanging on the cross for 6 hours while gasping for every single breath. This statement demonstrates his humanity. The pain and exhaustion of his human flesh was giving way to the inevitable death that was coming upon him. He had lost incredible amounts of blood. His body ravaged and torn in every possible manner as he hung there feeling the nails rip through his flesh as his weight pulled him down. I imagine his body feverish and burning in agony and pain, and his lips dry and brittle to the wind and dry desert heat. In this moment we see the reality that Jesus was a man in flesh and bone. You and I have never suffered, nor will we suffer thirst of this intensity.
Jesus, must humble himself once again before those remaining on the hill that day and beg for something to wet his lips. Helpless, on the cross, to relieve his own thirst, he must seek the relief from others. I believe Jesus knew that the thirst could not be quenched, but he also knew that there was more to say. Was he finding momentary relief so he could press on for the next few moments before submitting to the darkness of death? Perhaps, or perhaps he was thirsty for something more than just water upon his lips. Perhaps taking on the sins of the world had left his spirit longing and thirsty to be filled again with the loving grace, peace and mercy of the Lord. Perhaps his thirst was a desire to hear the words of His Father once again.
His thirst could only be quenched by the Father, just as the thirst you have for truth and justice in this world can only be quenched by embracing the suffering Lord. This thirst cannot be met through any worldly thing. Drink of His word, His love and His grace – discover the living water that can only be found in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 4:6-10). Come and drink.
Water is from the Lord. He created the oceans and He created the waters above the firmament. He decides where the wind shall blow and when the rain shall fall. Who, if not God stores up rain in the heavens? Who, if not God, created the water that streams from the mountains when the snow melts? Who, if not God, created the water that springs from deep inside the earth? Who, if not God, created the amniotic waters of the womb? He and he alone could have released a shower of rain on that day, when His Son hung on that cross in a weakened state.
The words “I thirst” are the shortest of the seven words from the cross. Jesus uttered these words after hanging on the cross for 6 hours while gasping for every single breath. This statement demonstrates his humanity. The pain and exhaustion of his human flesh was giving way to the inevitable death that was coming upon him. He had lost incredible amounts of blood. His body ravaged and torn in every possible manner as he hung there feeling the nails rip through his flesh as his weight pulled him down. I imagine his body feverish and burning in agony and pain, and his lips dry and brittle to the wind and dry desert heat. In this moment we see the reality that Jesus was a man in flesh and bone. You and I have never suffered, nor will we suffer thirst of this intensity.
Jesus, must humble himself once again before those remaining on the hill that day and beg for something to wet his lips. Helpless, on the cross, to relieve his own thirst, he must seek the relief from others. I believe Jesus knew that the thirst could not be quenched, but he also knew that there was more to say. Was he finding momentary relief so he could press on for the next few moments before submitting to the darkness of death? Perhaps, or perhaps he was thirsty for something more than just water upon his lips. Perhaps taking on the sins of the world had left his spirit longing and thirsty to be filled again with the loving grace, peace and mercy of the Lord. Perhaps his thirst was a desire to hear the words of His Father once again.
His thirst could only be quenched by the Father, just as the thirst you have for truth and justice in this world can only be quenched by embracing the suffering Lord. This thirst cannot be met through any worldly thing. Drink of His word, His love and His grace – discover the living water that can only be found in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 4:6-10). Come and drink.
© Sondove
Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
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