Clean, Clear Water

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, “Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.”

John 7:38

THE DEAD SEA IS a popular tourist attraction in Israel, boasting a string of luxury hotels offering mud baths and spa massages. Why is it called the Dead Sea? Because it has no visible outlet to allow water to pass out of the sea, all the salty sediment remains in the basin, hypersalinating the water and making it impossible for fish, plants, and other organisms to survive there. You may have seen photos of tourists leaning back as if sitting in a family room recliner as they read magazines while floating in the Dead Sea. That phenomenon is possible because the heavy concentration of sediment increases the water’s density.

Contrast the Dead Sea with the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. The Sea of Galilee receives water from the Jordan River to the north and releases water back into the Jordan as it continues downstream to the Dead Sea.

The New Testament has many references to Christ as living water. The Sea of Galilee might be considered an example of living water as well. It stays clean and clear because it receives fresh water regularly, and it drains water out. But even a cup of clear water left sitting long enough will stagnate and allow impurities to develop.

In Psalm 23, David declares that his cup is filled to overflowing. As we take in the living water of Christ, we must make sure that He overflows from our lives into the lives of others around us. Otherwise our lives will become stagnant and unhealthy.

BOTTOM LINE

Begin looking for more ways to ensure that the living water of Christ flows not just into your life but through your life to others.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 23