Project 119: Revelation 21:5-8
| Project 119
To the Thirsty
When was the thirstiest you’ve ever been? Was it after an extended period of yard work or a long day at the beach? Did you forget your water bottle when you went to the gym? I was a cheerleader for nine years in the south Mississippi heat, so I know a thing or two about thirst. In high school, our squad would start each practice by running a lap around our large school campus. I can remember how hard those last 50 yards or so were: me panting for air, heart pounding with a dry tongue. Being parched is not fun, but that first gulp of cool water after a long run brought instant healing.
In Revelation 21:6, we see that God promises to give the water of life to the thirsty. What is this water? It is the same water offered to the woman at the well in John 4—the living water, the Holy Spirit, the refreshment of salvation. This water is God’s free gift, as we see that it is given “without payment.” There is nothing we can do to earn it; it is simply by God’s grace that we receive it.
What are you thirsting for? So often, we as sinful humans look to gain satisfaction apart from our salvation in Christ. We turn to the temporal things of this world—our jobs, our human relationships, and our hobbies—to make us feel happy and complete. These things are not bad in themselves. Our families, careers, food, and sports are gifts from God and should be enjoyed as such. However, these things will never truly fulfill us.
Jesus told the woman at the well that “whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). From now until we reach eternity, let us find our true satisfaction in the gracious gift of God that is our salvation. Christ is enough to sustain us and bring us joy, comfort, and peace. Drink deep from the well of the Spirit today, acknowledging that in Him you have all you need.
Revelation 21:5-8 (ESV):
Note: Allison McSwain serves as a Student Ministry Intern. She is also a student at Beeson Divinity School.
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”