In Christ, humanity has been given a drink, a glass of pure water, which is the living water of God in Christ. This glass of pure living water is the same which Jesus offered the Samaritan woman at the well in the Gospel of John. In her story, she and Jesus speak about the rules which are necessary to be in the right relationship with God. Jesus’s point, and offer to her, is that if she knew to whom she was speaking, she would ask and he would give her the living water, the living water of life. It is much the same with humanity today. We are so caught up being right, others being wrong, and even making up our own righteousness as we go along, that we forget to simply drink, and drink deeply.

That which is offered in Christ is complete, and ready to be consumed by the people of God’s creation. One Glass that is full and needs nothing else added to it by humans has been prepared in order to give life to humanity. Though it is offered to people of all nations and across creation, making us truly one in Christ. We are all invited to the one cup of the one life, in our differences, real and imagined.

The cultural oneness and equality of all of God’s people are expressed and encouraged without taking away the uniqueness of the individual or culture. People are incorporated under and understood to be in one Christ. Shaped and recreated, we are many in the One, even in our individuality. We are connected by Christ by the living water we share. Yet, this has not been born out in our mortal lives.

The one Christ, one eternal life, is in natural opposition to our human tendency, which is to draw us apart and against one another.

Thus, the Apostle Paul is led to write to the Colossians about acts that divide us, bringing harm to others or ourselves, individually and socially. “Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry) …” These are the ways you also once followed when you were living that life… But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.”

It is one drink, from one source, yet it is a mixed drink, unique in the world in which it belongs as the living water of Christ is mixed with the complications of our lives. Nevertheless, only the pure water of Christ, the life which inspires and enables us to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and others as ourselves, is the living, eternal water of life. Let us drink deeply and trust this life which God offers in Christ Jesus. May the impurities of this Eternal Water wash away the strife, abuse, anger, and greed that works to separate us from our Lord, our God.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick