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)
[The book of psalms is our songbook of life. The psalms remind us that wherever we are—in celebration or grief, in confidence or confusion, in joy or anger or despair—God is right there with us. I invite you to read and reflect on these songs of life wherever YOU are this week. Read the psalm, and my reflection below; then consider posting and sharing your own observations.These Thirsty Thursday reflections were written between 2018-2021. Today’s devotion was originally posted on August 16, 2018]
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 freedom. 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 overthrowGod, 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. Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let them come to me and drink” (John 7:37).
So, “Obey Your Thirst!” Come to Jesus, the Living Well, and drink deeply from the living water he offers you (John 4:10). You may not be freed from the thirst that brought you there. You may keep coming back for more. But don’t worry, there is more than enough! Stay thirsty, my friends!
Pastor Philip
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