Living Water versus Dead Water

Annie’s Ink-Lings

           

Hello friends,

During my bible study of John chapter 4, the part about the conversation of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well, I was encouraged to explore the background of the term "living water."  Of course I knew that "living water" referred to God's spirit and eternal life, but I was interested to know how that term came about.

In Hebrew culture, the term "living waters" described pure, flowing water untouched by human hands.  Cistern waters, usually muddy and stagnant, were described as "dead" waters.  Biblical writers made a distinction between living water and dead water. While living waters flowed constantly, offering clean and cool refreshment, cistern waters were "dead,” often filled with muddy and stagnant water that had been poured by human hands.

Because living water came directly from God, it was closely associated with God’s Spirit in the world.

Jesus spoke of living water. One day, as he talked with a Samaritan woman, he offered her living waters that would be even better than the springs and rivers of the land: Jesus’ water would become a spring inside of her, ending all of her thirst.

If we don't drink God's living water, we risk burnout. But when we do find our refreshment in God, we will find strength for the days ahead.

"If only you knew the gift  God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me and I would give you the living water." . . . .  Anyone who drinks this water (earthly water) will soon become thirsty again.  But those that drink the water that I give (spiritual water) will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh bubbling spring within them giving them eternal life.”   (John 4:10, 13-14)

Blessings,

Annie