I have a confession to make. Sometimes, when my ashtray runs out of spare change for Sonic, I drive through Chic-fil-a and order a large water. Why? Because it’s FREE! I’m not talking about a rinky-dink little plastic kid’s cup either. This is a large styrofoam cup full of thirst-quenching ice water for absolutely no charge. I know, that’s cheap of me, but it’s a burden I’m willing to bear.

The fact of the matter is that although I don’t pay for the drink, it still has a cost. Chic-fil-a is willing to absorb that cost on behalf of its customers. How gracious!

It sort of reminds me of Scripture’s invitation in Isaiah 55:1: ““Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!” The same invitation is repeated in Revelation 22:17 saying, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” And, it’s the same opportunity Christ presented the woman at the well in John 4:10.

Here we see, in full display, the gracious offer from Christ for a free drink. Only, this drink is not mere physical water held in a Styrofoam cup. Instead, it is the costly treasure of His Salvation purchased by His blood spilt from His human body for our sin. Christ drank from the cup of God’s wrath (Isaiah 53:4-6) in order to offer us a river of living water!

What I love about the Bible’s use of the “living water” terminology is that it goes deeper than describing a mere transaction that takes place in salvation. This water quenches a thirst. Whereas my free cup of water from Chic-fil-a may satisfy my physical thirst on a hot day temporarily, Christ’s living water satisfies fully forever! That’s powerful.

  • Have you ever wondered how a martyr stands in the face of death for Christ’s sake? Because he is fully satisfied in Christ.
  • Do you marvel at the sacrifices some missionaries will take to proclaim the gospel to unreached people? Sacrifice becomes privilege when your every thirst is quenched in Christ.
  • How do you suppose a person overcomes tragedy or great loss? By drinking deeply from the river of life.

You too are invited to partake from the river of life. The water is free, but make no mistake –it’s cost is infinite!