Day Thirty-six = Thirsty Much

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. (Psalm 42:1)

At the time of this ‘fiery’ encounter on Mount Carmel, there had been a drought in the land for over three years. By now, water was scarce and drinking any was most likely limited to certain meals and special occasions. The water poured over the altar and into the trenches by Elijah meant more than first realized. Rev. L.E. Heil explains that “The word in the original Hebrew text is mayim (fresh water), not yam (sea water). It is identical to the word used in chapter 17:10 where the implication is clearly drinking water.” (Heil)

Elijah called for that which was extremely precious and poured it out as though it was plenteous. Likewise, the Holy Ghost is exceedingly precious in our churches today. Thirsty believers must be drawn to the altars to wait “until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high.” (Isaiah 32:15 KJV). During the Feast of Tabernacles, ceremonially the priests of Gods house would carry up the temple mount, buckets of fresh water drawn from the wells of Ophel, to empty over the temple altar. {sound familiar?} One year Jesus, while standing in the crowd observing the ritual, shouted: “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38)

In all your fiery encounters, when feeling dry and empty, Christ is standing nearby saying: ‘Come and take a drink from my river of life. My Spirit can quench that longing thirst of yours. Draw from my overflowing wells and satisfy your souls.’ Let your worship always include the panting cry; “God, I’m Thirsty!”