The Real Thing

Bible Reading: John 4:10-14

“See that, Mom?” Jeremy pointed ahead. “It looks like there’s water on the road—way up there. See it?” He and his mother were driving on the highway, and it was a very hot day.

Mom nodded. “It looks like water, but see how it disappears as we get closer? That’s called a mirage. Travelers in deserts sometimes see them too.”

“We learned about that in school,” said Jeremy. “Years ago people used to get lost in the desert and became very thirsty when their water supply was gone. Then they’d sometimes see what looked like a lake in the distance and hurry toward it. As they got closer, it would disappear. Then they’d see another and another. But what they thought were lakes always disappeared before they could reach them.”

“That seems so sad,” replied Mom.

Jeremy nodded. “My teacher said that after people rushed toward all those places they thought were lakes, they’d sometimes turn away when they saw a real lake. They often died of thirst because they thought the lake was just another mirage. That makes it really sad.”

“So when water that would satisfy their thirst was right there, they didn’t believe it,” said Mom. “I guess, after being mistaken many times, people often don’t recognize the real thing when they see it.”

“That doesn’t happen in our country anymore though, does it? Don’t people have better ways to travel now—and better water supplies?”

“Actually, I was thinking about people who are thirsty for fulfillment in life. They try to find it in so many different ways—ways that don’t satisfy. They need Jesus. He’s available to everybody, but when they’ve been disappointed so often by other things, many people don’t recognize Him as the one who can truly satisfy the thirst of their souls.”

Jeremy nodded thoughtfully. “In church we read a Bible story where Jesus called Himself living water. I didn’t quite get what that meant, but I think I understand it better now. Only He can satisfy our thirst and make us truly alive.” -Beverly McClain

How About You?

Are you thirsty for happiness and fulfillment? Have you tried to find it by spending time with friends, having fun, or doing things that make you feel important? These things are like a mirage—they seem to promise satisfaction, and they may make you feel good for a while, but they can’t provide lasting fulfillment. Turn to Jesus. He’s the only one who can give you joy and eternal life.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 4:14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Only Jesus gives lasting fulfillment