I THIRST

I THIRST...John 19:28.

A thirst is a wanting, an eager desire after something; a craving or longing;
Here at this point on the cross, the Lord JESUS made a statement, a declaration, a request, but most importantly, a fulfilment of prophesy knowing that all things are now accomplished, he says "I THIRST".

At this request, the normal reaction should have been to get to Him some cold water that perhaps He was tired and famished from all the whipping, slaps and having to carry such a heavy piece of wooden cross and general stress prior inflicted on Him before His procession to Golgotha. Now the soldiers at the foot of the cross ran aside at this statement in their mischief and went forth to bring in a sponge, Vinegar - a cheap bitter wine.

Now even if a desire to quench a physical thirst was what was on the mind of JESUS CHRIST at this point, should it have been a drink that wouldn't really go down well that should have been rendered to Him?

Now, this here is my thought, JESUS wasn't thirsty for water or any physical drink, His thirst was that of a wanting, an eager desire, a craving, a longing for the sons of men to be drawn unto Him.

John  12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
For all sons to be called back to their rightful positions in the eyes of the Father, JESUS had to be lifted up hung on a tree like a hardened criminal (one that had become a serious threat to the society) would have been dealt with so that you and I can get back from our prodigal state and return into the loving hands of the Father.

If one chooses not to accept His call from this exalted position on the cross, that person would then miss out on every privilege that he should enjoy as a Son.

On the cross, JESUS's blood was shed serving as a means of atonement, a down payment for our sins, let's remember there must be the shedding of blood for the remission of sins (Heb. 9:22), so in order to get out of the grip of sin, a payment must be made, a blood payment of something undefiled and seeing that the use of goats and rams had lost its significance as men would just buy the animal and sin wilfully having no remorse for the sin committed hence the need in the heart of GOD to recover us back once and for all using a perfect sacrifice in the person of His son JESUS CHRIST that by His blood being shed all men would be called unto Him hence fulfilling the purpose of our creation - FELLOWSHIP.

Now, this much Christ has completed for us on the cross of Calvary, our atonement is complete, we stand guiltless, our charges have been paid in full...HALLELUYAH.

What then is the part to play in this? Quite easily, my part is to equally thirst and hunger after Him.

Psalms  42:1 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

Psalms 42:1 gives us a good enough example of the expectation of GOD towards us even after we have accepted His life-gift. David did show a good illustration of how a Deer would not stop to search, to seek after a water brook until it has been able to satisfy its thirst, so also we are to long after the presence of GOD, to continually seek to fellowship with Him all the days of our lives here on earth even as we await eternal fellowshipping with the Lord.

It is also our responsibility to search out the deep things of the Lord through fervent prayers, diligent bible study and consistent fellowship with saints until we all grow unto the stature of maturity of sons. (Eph. 4:13)

The Lord JESUS on the cross of Calvary was lifted up so that you and I could fulfil prophecy and be drawn unto Him, why not let pride aside and honour His call upon your life TODAY, why not cling unto the one who alone is able to make all things right concerning you. He thirsted for you while at Calvary and He is still thirsting for you today if you haven't yet heeded to His salvation-call upon your life.

So what say you, would you answer His call upon your life and enjoy constant "koinonia" with the FATHER or would you still hold back and refuse this great gift of liberty?

GOD BLESS YOU.