I recently made a quick morning trip to pick up a few dozen sweet treats to share with those volunteering for one of our church activities. As I approached the strip of stores I was forced to stop short of being able to enter the parking lot. Getting frustrated by the wait, I carefully pulled off to the left to go around and enter on the other side of the lot. The traffic was caused by cars waiting in the drive-thru line of the Dunkin Donut. When I entered I made mention of the line of traffic waiting for service. The lady at the counter said, “Yeah, honey. It’s like that every day. All those coffee drinkers gotta have their fix.” I laughed knowingly as I’m accustomed to seeing those same lines at Starbucks and other establishments that offer thousands of people their daily “fix” of caffeine. There have been many over the years I’ve known (many in my own family) that seem to have addiction to that hot bitter liquid. I’m not a coffee drinker so seeing others sitting in those long lines seems comical to me.

When I realized what was going on, I was struck with an interesting thought. What would it be like if cars were lined up for church every time the doors were open? What would it be like if people were so hungry for God they arrived early and left late because they couldn’t get enough of the presence of God? Many search this world over for something that will fill the void they feel in their hearts and lives. Society caters daily to this mindset. The world works hard to appeal to the fleshly desires of those looking for something to bring them happiness. John 4 reveals Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman coming to draw water in the heat of the day. Life had not been kind to her and she was coming at a time she thought no one would be there (no doubt, the last thing she needed was someone else to judge her for her failed life choices). Her void had led her to marry five different men and, at the time she met Jesus, she was living with a man that wasn’t even her husband. “Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again [he’s referring to the water from the well]. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” [vs. 13-14] It may seem odd but, you’re a barista in God’s coffee house. This world is looking for something you have–and it’s not more caffeine, ha! They need that Living Water.  That is the only thing that will quench their “thirst.”  What cup are you serving to those around you?

Closing remarks and encouragement: Our lives are filled with choices that appeal to our flesh. The last thing any of us need is another new car, a boat, a camper, more jewelry, or any number of things that have no eternal value. Take one sip of that cup and, I assure you, you’ll never thirst again. And don’t forget to share that cup with those around you!