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Day: January 12, 2017

Prime the Pump

Prime the Pump

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39). 

A man was travelling across the desert.  He consumed all the water he brought along with him.  He was in desperate need of water. 

He saw a pump and rushed to it.  He lifted the handle and tried to prime the pump but no water comes out.  A notice on the pump read: 

“Dear traveller,

Do not despair.  There is plenty of water below the pump.  Dig on the left of the pump and you will find a bottle of water.   

Empty that water into the pump.  The water will get the pump to work.  Draw out as much water as you want.   

You will be tempted to disbelieve me and drink that bottle of water.  If you do, there will be no water left.  You will be thirsty again. 

But if you follow my instruction, you will find that there is enough water to last you for the rest of your journey.  Fill your water bags.   

Before you leave, don’t forget to refill that bottle with water and bury it for the next traveller.  You will help to ensure that there will be a continuous supply of water.” 

Jesus offers us that drink of water, that is He Himself, the living water. 

We can empty our lives for ourselves.  We can enjoy Him and pray for ourselves only. 

Or we can pour it  into His hands.   

If we do the latter, He will use us as a channel of His grace to bless the lives of others. 

Would you keep Jesus to yourself or share Him with others?

(MT)