Friday, February 06, 2009

Thirsting for more

Today’s Reading: John 19:28 (NIV)

28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

Psalm 69:20-21 (NIV)

20 Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none. 21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

Good morning!

The Lord has given His all for all of us. There, on the cross, in excruciating pain, Jesus knew He had completed His mission. Looking at the people, Jesus found no one to comfort His broken heart. There was no sympathy that could ease His pain. I can only imagine that the physical suffering Christ endured was mild compared to that of His Spirit, writhing in agony as He took upon Himself the sins of the world.

It is easy to be tempted to turn away from the Father, especially when we feel completely beaten up by the things of this world. Many have lost their jobs, health insurance, benefits and financial resources that provide the necessities of life for their family in this difficult economy. Retirement incomes are disappearing; our elderly are wondering who will help them pay their utility bills or buy groceries for their table. Families are losing their homes to foreclosure, and finding themselves living in their cars or out on the streets. Half way around the world, little children are starving to death, through no fault of their own. Food is scarce; supplies are nearly non-existent. In times of great suffering and pain, trusting in God may seem rather pointless.

Even in His worst agony, Christ’s thirst for more compelled Him to speak the Word. He said, “I am thirsty.” Was He thirsting for water, or was Jesus thirsting for more of His Father? Even when He could have given in to the pain and called upon His angels to bring Him down from the cross, Christ remained steadfast and resolute. He continued to pray even when He felt no one was listening.

Jesus knows your deepest need. Rejection, humiliation and outright fear can blind us to the Truth. Cast your cares upon the Lord today; He is here, right now, and He will not abandon you in your time of need. Jesus can quench your deepest thirst if you will simply ask Him for a drink. Are you thirsty today? Look beyond your circumstances; look to the Lord Jesus Christ and be thirsty no more.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

No comments: