The Cross of Christ means Life

Revelation 21:5-8 A New Beginning

As we recognize the Holy Spirit's work in our lives to make changes, the above passage holds a significant promise. Note the condition of the one on the throne: "... I will give to him that is thirsty".

What does it mean to be thirsty? Thirsty for what? The context of the verse deals with "those who win the victory ... I will be their God, and they will be my children". Elsewhere we are commanded to "hunger and thirst after righteousness" [cf. Mt 5:6; 6:33]. I have been "thirsty" for many things in my life, especially as a student and young pastor. Often the focus was personal achievement: to be a better student of the Bible, learning the original languages well enough to rightly handle the Word, etc. Unfortunately the effect of those goals ended up being to deal more with the "skills" required for ministry and not the purpose of Scripture: To be like Jesus, to have His righteousness and nature manifested in my life.

The promise of the Lord is that He will make all things new to those who thirst for Him. May this begin a new year of deep desire to be like Him.

"Lord, make me after Your image. Grant me a deep and abiding thirst which will not be satisfied by anything less than Your presence and supply. Grant that Your "River Of Life", the work of the Holy Spirit, fulfill in me the satisfaction of that thirst that I might be like You and live, from this day forward, in Your presence.

Amen - let it be so.
Shalom

Bob Goldsby

Posted January 01, 1997