Why spend our efforts on that which cannot satisfy?

The theme of the Lord’s invitation to us continues, this time accompanied by the lapping waters of the River Vltava, (which means ‘Wild Water,’ and is widely known by its German name, the Moldau) as depicted by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. Exquisitely performed for us by Fontane Liang, the music beautifully captures the sound of the river as it gathers strength and momentum from its source in the Bohemian mountains, wending its way through a landscape of forests and meadows. It tumbles through the St John’s Rapids before widening out again to pass through Prague on its way to the mighty River Elbe. It is music that is iridescent with Smetana’s love for his homeland, just as we are illumined by the joy of our eternal home as the Holy Spirit flows through our lives. How we need His water of life sparkling within us! At the scent of water, even that which is drooping and failing springs back to life. Why spend our money and direct all our labour to that which cannot satisfy, when He invites us to receive so much more by His Spirit? Music Moldau from Má Vlast (My Fatherland) by Bedřich Smetana Musician: Fontane Liang From the earliest verses in Genesis, right through to the very end of the Scriptures, we see the great benefits and blessings of water, both physically and spiritually. There are more than seven hundred references to it in the Scriptures – far more occasions than words such as faith or prayer or worship. Thank You Lord that You use water to bring healing, as Naaman discovered when he obeyed the prophet and was healed of his leprosy in the River Jordan, and the blind man likewise, when Jesus enabled him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Thank You that You brought about great deliverance for the people of Israel, first when they crossed the Red Sea and later, the River Jordan at a time when it was in spate. (2 Kings 5:1-14, John 9:1-7; Exodus 14:1-15, 21; Josh. 3:13-17) Rather as protective waters surrounded us in the womb, thank You, Lord, that water symbolises our own deliverance when we were baptised, dying to our old life, and being raised to our new life in Christ. Shepherd of our souls, lead Your people to still waters; give them water to drink even in desert places. How we need the water of life for our bodies and spirit alike! At the scent of water, even that which is drooping and failing springs back to life. Why spend our money and direct all our labour to that which cannot satisfy, when You invite us to receive Your Spirit? We want to listen carefully to You, and to eat what is good, so that our souls can delight in the richest of food, and You can have the joy of seeing a people who are hungering for Your presence, who really are looking for You all the time. So here we are Lord, coming with all our failings and contradictions to receive this soul-replenishing water; coming to buy the wine that gladdens our hearts, and the milk that nourishes our bones. We come to You, leaning in to hear You, listening closely, so that our soul may live. (Is. 55:1-3 BSB)