Nor Any Drop to Drink
| Everyone who drinks this
water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will
never thirst. John 4:13, 14, NIV. |
Hiking the trail
along the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai is a rare and breathtaking
experience. The narrow ribbon of dirt hugs sheer cliffs that drop hundreds
of feet to the Pacific Ocean below, and the lush tropical vegetation adds
to the visual delight. Many streams flow along the 11-mile trail.
On a trip to Hawaii several
years ago my wife and I set out to hike the Na Pali Coast, a 22-mile round-trip,
all in one day. Since the trail guide promised lots of water along the
way, we left our canteens behind to lighten the load. However, once into
the hike we learned the truth. Bold signs posted beside every stream warned
us: “BOIL WATER BEFORE DRINKING.”
Since we hadn’t brought any
cooking equipment or matches, we were out of luck. Stream after stream
presented the same dreadful warning, and soon our scenic day hike turned
quite desperate. The intense heat and humidity made the trail a virtual
sauna, and our water loss from sweat was rapid.
At one point the trail turned
inland, where a vigorous roaring stream rushed along, with the same warning
sign. We decided that if we couldn’t drink the water, at least we could
cool off in it. So very carefully we submerged ourselves in the stream
up to our necks. It was wonderful relief from the heat of the day, but
remembering “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” we mused, “water, water,
everywhere, nor any drop to drink.”
Like my parched throat on
the Na Pali Coast, my parched soul longs to be filled. Water has an amazing
rejuvenating effect. When we finally found drinking water at the end of
the 11-mile trail, my headache departed, my arms and legs felt invigorated,
my whole body felt new again. So when I read that Christ promises everlasting
water for the spirit and soul, I imagine its restorative properties. Like
the Samaritan woman at the well, I too pray, “Sir, give me this water”
(John 14:15, NIV).
Fill my cup, Lord, with Your pure water
of life.
Fill me to overflowing with Your Holy
Spirit. |
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