The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life. Revelation 7:17
This summer has brought us a succession of excessive heat waves. Meanwhile, more than 90% of the land in 11 western states suffers through a historic drought. In a drought, the grass withers, the flower fades. It is a powerful reminder that water is essential for life.
Water is essential not only for physical life, but also for spiritual life. Just as the grass and plant life become dry and brittle without water, our faith life can become dry and brittle without the refreshment of the water of life.
Worship, daily prayer, and a life of service and gratitude help us return continually to the life-giving power of the water of baptism. They help keep our faith life from becoming dry and withered, like the parched grass in a drought.
Jesus is the living water, “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) As you enjoy or endure the heat of the summer, may your spiritual life not become dry like a desert. Drink deeply of the living water of Christ whom we meet in word and sacrament and service.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Wayne Matthias-Long