On Water

"Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1 NAS95

"For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. Mark 9:41 NAS95

What if a major world religion believed that hydration can only be received from goats’ milk? No other liquid was to be introduced into the bodily system as it was not acceptable for life. What if a fellow sojourner cried out in thirst one day, and you, not knowing about their “religious beliefs” but knowing they were thirsty and in need of liquid offered them some water. They said thank you. But then a religious toleration monitor shamed you for offering the water you have because you do not know if they are of the right religion to receive water. You should have kept the water to yourself.

This may sound foolish to you. Indeed, I would agree, yet this is what happened to me today. A fellow sojourner on a medical journey cried out for help this morning. I offered that person the Living Water, Jesus as a source for the help they needed. I was shamed for my offer because they might not be a Christian. I should keep my religious views to myself. Another sojourner took up my defense for which I am grateful. I am disturbed though by the thought that we have come to a place in this world where we would think it is okay to withhold water from a thirsty person because it might be against their religious background.

I accept you will argue that the metaphor of water and milk is ridiculous. May I suggest to you that we withhold many things from people that could meet their needs because of the greed of our hearts. When we have billionaires in a starving world we are doing the same. When we have homeless and empty buildings, we do the same. When we have medical knowledge and care, and withhold it for lack of insurance we do the same. When we have a Savior in Jesus Christ and withhold Him for fear of offending the “sensibilities” of society, we do the same.

Have you got any water for a weary traveler?