While most of us grew up in America, and access to water has never been an issue; water in 1st century Israel was a prized commodity.  Wars and skirmishes would break out over the rights to a well that was known to produce good water.  It was common that a person would likely come and draw water from the well quite often, at least daily for drink, washing, and cooking needs.

On His missionary journies (John 4), Jesus came to a well in Samaria, and spoke to a woman there who had been married multiple times before.  Jesus told this woman of “Living Water”, water that would cause those who drink of it to never thirst again.  Clearly the Samaritan woman was desirous of water that would not require her to lug a heavy jar full of water to and from her house every day, but she couldn’t see that was Jesus was offering was much greater than meeting a physical need, or easing a physical burden.

Jesus’ offer of Living Water was one of spiritual cleansing and refreshment.  Now many people read the passage in Luke 4 and think of Living Water as water that you drink once and then never have to drink again.  That wasn’t what Jesus was saying at all.  He was saying that those who drank Living Water would in themselves have a spring of water that would well up inside them (verse 14), carried with them, so they would never be thirsty again.  Thus, for believers, it’s not that we no longer have to go to the well, it’s that the Well is within us.  In Ephesians 5:18 we are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:15-21 –  ^“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

It’s a progressive verb tense meaning that it should be an ongoing activity, meaning we should keep being filled with the Spirit.  That’s my same exhortation for us today, as fellow believers who have a well of living water within us, the Holy Spirit, that we should continue to go to the Well, seeking to be filled.

How do your recharge yourself throughout the day?  While there’s nothing wrong with seeking physical and mental rest by watching a football game, watching a TV show with friends, etc. – How are you actively filling yourself with the Spirit of God?  Does your free time primarily consist of things that are devoid of any redeeming qualities that stir your affection for God, and encourage your growth in obedience to Him?  My encouragement would be to be intentional about your time, to refresh yourself with the Word of God, with Christian Community, and prayer throughout your day.  For your refreshment and joy in Him.

Grace and Peace,
Adam