splash water
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” (Psalm 2:1-3)
Obey Your Thirst
Back in 1994, Sprite came out with a new ad slogan, “Obey Your Thirst.” The slogan seemed to suggest that thirst was in control of our actions and guiding our choices. It was popular for a while, but eventually it lost favor with consumers, and the folks at Coca Cola changed it to “Freedom From Thirst.” What’s the difference between obeying thirst, and being freed from it?
We love talking about our freedoms. Independence and self-determination is surely better than obedience and submission, right? We don’t want to be slaves to anything. I’m more comfortable imagining I can be free from thirst rather than being reminded that it has any control over me! We tend to look at God that way too. Obeying God is a little bit like obeying our thirst. We’re OK with it as long as it’s not too inconvenient or uncomfortable—as long as we remain in control—as long as “spiritual obedience” is refreshing, fizzy and a bit sugared up! But in reality, we’d rather be free from the obligation altogether. We would prefer if our spiritual thirst just disappeared.
The beginning of Psalm 2 asks a question: “Why do the nations and peoples plot; why do the kings and rulers conspire?” We might think they are plotting to overthrow God, but they are actually conspiring to be free from their obedience and submission to God…their dependence on God…their thirst for God. The problem is, the life God offers us is the only life worth living. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6). To be spiritually thirsty opens us up to the possibility of spiritual satisfaction.
If you are looking for the kind of life that can bring joy and blessing and meaning to your life, don’t try to ignore that desire…don’t try to be free from it. “Obey your thirst!” Come to the Jesus, the Living Well, and drink deeply from the living water he offers you (John 4:10). I invite you to continue to seek that kind of refreshment from God’s Word as we open up the Bible’s songbook–-the book of Psalms—in the weeks ahead. Hopefully it will keep you wanting more, and inspire you to spend more time obeying your thirst throughout the week.
Philip Rose, Lead Pastor
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