THE BLESSING OF PURE WATER
Water in India is a big deal. They don’t have enough, and most of what they have is unhealthy. Visitors to India, and those who live there as well, need to be very careful of what they drink. Pure, clean water is a precious commodity, not to be taken lightly as we do in this country.
Water was a big deal in the Bible as well – for the same reasons. It is mentioned 722 times in the Bible, from the very beginning (Genesis 1:2) to the very end (Revelation 22:17). Water in the Bible is used as a picture of God’s Word, that which quenches the thirsty soul of man (Ephesians 5:26; Isaiah 55:10-11). This is what we in the bucket brigade carry to the pastors and Christians in India so they can spread it where it is needed. Water is also used as a picture of purification and cleaning (Ezekiel 36:25; Hebrews 10:22; John 13:10). This comes from reading and applying the truths of God’s Word (John 15:3). In addition, water brings deliverance and rescue. Moses was delivered by the waters of the Nile and Noah by the flood. It is God’s Word that tells us of His deliverance of us from sin and Satan. Finally, water speaks of blessings from God. Clean water in India is a great blessing, both physical and spiritual water. Jesus’ first miracle involved water (John 2:7-11), as did other miracles of healing (John 9:1-7; 5:1-15; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27). God miraculously brought water from a rock for the Jews (Exodus 17:5-6). Rain is a blessing and shows God’s goodness (Job 5:10). Water cleanses, it sustains, it blesses, it nourishes. So does the Word of God. What a privilege it is to bring clean drinking water to the people of India, but even more to bring the water of God’s Word! Are you using it every day? Do you recommend it to your friends? Spend time in it today and every day. It is our responsibility to provide access to clean, living water to those who don’t have it. That is our physical duty (by providing water wells) and our spiritual duty (by sharing God’s Word with them as well). Pray we would do both of these to the best of our abilities. And you, too, are responsible to share with those around you. Physical water isn’t needed where you live, but spiritual water is. What are you doing to share it with those in need? When plans do you have today that include taking God’s truth to those who need it? Don’t let a day go by that you don’t take His Word to someone else. Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization |