Essentials of Life

Scripture Reading: Exodus 15:22-27

Then Moses led the people away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water. (Ex. 15:22)

Food and water are the two basic essentials of life. Man can exist for many days without food, but only a short time without water.

     The children of Israel traveled in the desert of Shur for three days without water. By this time most of them would be dehydrated, dizzy, and bordering on shock. Bodily functions are slowing down, heart rate is increasing, and heat stroke imminent. They would be desperate for water. When they finally reached water they found it to be bitter. They didn’t realize it at the time, but this was one of God’s tests of their faith. Like many of us, they failed miserably and turned on Moses demanding, “What are we going to drink”? Moses, in turn, cried out to God for help, and He performed a miracle to give them fresh water.

     Do you remember the story of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, a W.W. I flying ace who was adrift at sea for 24 days. He and several crewmen ran out of food and water after three days. On the eighth day, a seagull landed on Rickenbacker’s head. He warily and cautiously captured it and divided it amongst the crew, saving some for fishing bait. They lived on sporadic rain water that fell, and similar food “miracles”. They were finally rescued by a US Navy float plane. All were suffering from hyperthermia, sunburn, dehydration, and near starvation.

     Life giving water is also needed to establish a relationship with God. Jesus offered this life- saving water to a Samaritan woman at the well outside Sychar. She came to the well for physical water, and went away with spiritual water. In her conversation with Jesus she came to realize her sinful condition and the need for a new spiritual relationship. When the life-saving water of God’s grace was offered, she gladly accepted it and her life changed. She was so excited that she went into the neighboring village and told everyone that she had met the Messiah. As a result of the woman’s testimony many believed.

     Souls are starving for the essentials of life. You and I have in our hands the life-saving water in the word of God. The Apostle Paul calls it “the word of reconciliation,” and encourages us as God’s ambassadors to share it with others. We can either hoard it for ourselves, or we can spread it abroad. Would you be willing to hand out a cup of that everlasting water to someone you meet today?

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have given to us the life-saving water which is one of the essentials of life. Help us find ways to share it with those who are in desperate need of a soul quenching drink.