Mahalia Jackson used to sing a song, “JESUS MET THE WOMAN AT THE WELL”, II love the account that song gives of the meeting. Jesus meets her, not by accident; His intent is always to meet us when we are ready to listen, He begins conversation about something that was relevant to the woman; and then leads her into conversation toward something that was relevant to Him; her spiritual condition. The woman is converted and is soon telling everyone about Jesus.


During the course of this encounter, Jesus erects a sign for future generations to read; “JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HER, WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THIS WATER SHALL THIRST AGAIN” Physically, He’s referring to the physical water in the well, spiritually, He is speaking of the pleasures of this earth which never satisfy.

What an important lesson is given for you and me. Jesus is saying, “You can drink this water and in time, you’re going to get thirsty again”. Have you noticed how the things of this world promise happiness and fulfillment, but always leave you thirsty for more? If a person is feeling sexually aroused and they seek out a partner purely for sexual fulfillment, it isn’t long before they are looking for another partner. If a person is sexually aroused and is drawn to pornography to satisfy their needs, are those needs satisfied or is the person’s desire further increased?

Who can eat just one Lay’s Potato Chip? Do you remember that ad? It is based upon the reality that if you like something, you will want more and more of that thing, which you desire.

I have known men and women who have looked for a mate or a spouse to “complete them”; in fact I have been that person, as has my wife. The truth is that no one except God can complete you.

It is terribly unfair to expect a mere mortal to accomplish something that is only available to you and God. Couples often say, “Make me Happy” to one another; just a proposition is IMPOSSIBLE. Happiness is a personal choice; I can choose to look on the sunny side of life or I can look for the negative.

Every piece of gold has a little dross in it. Imagine the foolishness of the miner who would throw away every piece of gold because he saw some impurities in it, and yet we do this all the time. We often abandon relationships because they are not perfect. Rather than submit that relationship to God’s furnace where such impurities are vanquished, we toss the gold aside and look for a better nugget. It’s hard work to allow God to purify us – something has to die.
Interestingly, the problem within the life of the woman at the well was her relationship with men. Jesus said, “YOU HAD SEVERAL HUSBANDS AND THE ONE YOU’RE LIVING WITH NOW IS NOT EVEN YOUR OWN!” Jesus was saying, “You’re trying to find Spiritual value through carnal relationships this will never work!” WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THIS WATER SHALL THIRST AGAIN”.
So what God-space within you are you trying to fill with fluff? Perhaps you are filling the God-void in your heart with “Church”; the traditions and meetings and programs and regulations. You have done it so long that you only attend out of obligation. On top of it all, you are told that you aren’t a good “Christian” because this fluff doesn’t satisfy you. Perhaps you are trying to fill the God-space with a different relationship; you may like skinny women or tall men or short fat men (someone needs to love us short fat men), however – if your desire is for that other person to make your life perfect, you will soon be out shopping for a skinnier or taller or shorter/fatter man (it could happen), you get the point.
Only drinking the eternal water from God’s well is going to satisfy the eternal thirst within you. Jesus goes on to say, “HE WHO DRINKS OF THIS WATER (GOD’S SPIRITUAL WATER) WILL NEVER THIRST AGAIN.” And that my friends, is what we are looking for. Amen!