My coffee pot has a “max fill” line. Many facilities have a “max seating capacity.” It’s a world of limits and restrictions. But God doesn’t pay attention to those. I’m so glad because I can’t ever get enough of Him. Neither can the Samaritan Woman. She comes to a well, ready to fetch some water. And Jesus is sitting nearby. Check this out:
“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water’” (John 4:10 NLT). Now, let me pause for a second. It’s important for you to know that this woman doesn’t recognize Jesus. She doesn’t know who she’s talking to. “‘But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,’ she said, ‘and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?’” (V. 11-12). Oh, the struggles of humanity. This woman is just like me and you. Do you see it? Jesus offers her life. But she doesn’t understand the source. Instead of looking for spiritual fulfillment, she’s looking for physical fulfillment. “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life’” (V. 13-14). Turns out, the woman desires this water. I mean, who wouldn’t? She wants to be filled-up with Jesus. But first, “‘Go and get your husband,’ Jesus told her” (V. 16). “‘I don’t have a husband,’ the woman replied” (V. 17). “Jesus said, ‘You’re right! You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now…’” (V. 17-18). You’re so right, Jesus. Nothing in this world fills me up. Relationships don’t. Drugs don’t. A career doesn’t. Success doesn’t. Not religion. Not six men. I always become thirsty again. That’s why I want more of You—the water that truly fulfills me. Jesus says, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart’” (John 7:37-38 NLT). Verse 39 goes on to explain what Jesus means, “(When he said ‘living water,’ he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” Before Jesus ascends to Heaven, He reassures His disciples of the coming Holy Spirit. He says, “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luke 24:49 NLT). Since then, Jesus has gone to Heaven. The Holy Spirit has come. Today, Jesus wants to fill you with His Spirit. “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:5 NLT). “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT). In order to get more of Jesus, we need more of the Spirit. We need His anointing. Psalm 23:5 says, “…thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (KJV). Asking for God’s anointing is asking for His will to be done through your life. It’s surrendering control to a God who can do more through you than you can do through yourself. It’s the difference between what you can do on your own and what you and God can do together. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (KJV). That power is the Holy Spirit. And because of Him, Jesus can fill our lives beyond the brim of our cups. Maybe you feel empty. But I guarantee you aren’t full enough. Do you need a refill? |
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