John 4:14

“But whoever drinks the water I will give them,” Jesus continues. “They will never be thirsty again---ever!  In fact, their very lives will become a fountain of living water gushing from their soul, springing up into a pool of everlasting life” John 4:14 EFP

It is not enough for Jesus to point out the sad reality of the woman’s life.  It is not his purpose to pull the proverbial rug from under her feet.  But Jesus knows she does need a dose of reality because the object of her admiration and honor is not one who is able to deliver the goods or sustain what her soul needs most.  She is in the habit of placing her faith in all the wrong places.

Jacob falls short.  Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, it doesn’t matter.  We all fall short of providing a steady stream of whatever we can provide. Period.  Not good works.  Not financial security.  Not health.  Not commitment.  At some level, visible or unseen, we all fail.  This woman places her happiness in the hands of mortal men.   She had placed her religious devotion in the hands of a man—named Jacob.  He could be admired because he was now dead and had become an icon for her people.  But she desperately needs something else—someone living.

Jesus offers her hope.  Jesus’ words assure her she is counted among the “whoever.”  It is not an exclusive club.  Secondly he states that when she drinks she will never be thirsty again.  No loopholes in either of those statements.  Then he adds that not only will she not be thirsty again, but she will become a living spring of water—forever!  Jesus says he will give a drink to “whoever.”  “Whoever” drinks will never thirst again because they become a channel for living water forever.  How do I sign up?  Where do I get in line?  How does it work?  I can see myself asking Jesus these questions.  I am not the only one….