John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
This passage of scripture invites all members of the human family to drink of the water of life which is to be found in Christ alone, for the broken cisterns of this earth can never satisfy the longings and needs of the sin-sick soul. The invitation given above pertains to all individuals from all walks of life, because God makes no distinction whatsoever, when it comes to a person being saved. In this instance the woman at the well had been chasing after an illusive dream, of finding satisfaction in mere mortal man. Although we all have social needs, and the human heart yearns for companionship, yet our earthly relationships can only take us so far, and no further, because God can never be substituted by anyone or anything, no matter how ardently we desire.
The woman in question here had been going from man to man trying to find the perfect husband, and we can empathize with her, for "Real men" are becoming more and more of a scarce commodity. Her first husband probably said all the right things, and brought her flowers, but maybe he had a problem with remaining faithful to the marriage vow, and so the first union was probably annulled for this reason. But the second husband was most likely different, in that he was not a smooth talker like the first, but rather tried to show his love in very tangible ways, by helping around the house, doing the dishes and the laundry. The only problem with this second choice is that he was continually broken and out of funds, and so he could not support her in even the basic necessities of life.
And so she went from person to person, seeking in vain for that inner peace, contentment, and fulfillment, until the day she encountered Christ. Now, even though her story is being from a mere human perspective, yet her experience depicts an all too common scenario, which takes place with other people in other situations. For instance, there are those who seek to quench the thirsting of the soul through excitement and thrills, and they pursue a course of action towards that end. Others choose extreme sports to get their adrenalin going, and they look forward to putting themselves at risk, just so that the momentary high can be be achieved.
Then again there are those who turn to music and video games, seeking that fulfillment and rest which seems so evasive. While still others turn to drugs, sex, sports, dancing, possessions, money, and even physical fitness, all in an attempt to satisfy the soul's longing. Whatever may be the substitute, Christ makes it plain in the passage that whosoever drinks from these broken cisterns will thirst again, for these temporary highs, and fleeting satisfactions can never fill the place which God should have in our hearts, and it is for this reason why many people, including the stars of Hollywood, end up getting hooked on some vice or habit, by which the devil is then able to place them in bondage. Let's read:
2nd Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Jesus Christ is the One and only Person who can give us lasting happiness, peace and contentment, for whenever He is seated on the throne of the heart, all of the other joys and pleasures of life fall into their rightful place, and thus we are prevented from becoming addicted to the temporary pleasures this earth affords. A true Christian who finds his highest joy in God's presence will be able to really enjoy and experience the simple pleasures of life, for Jesus brings a stability and sense of purpose that nothing external can ever take away.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to drink of the water of life, for the invitation is open to all, and we will never be disappointed in having Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives. Let's read:
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!