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Water! I need water! Give me a drink of water!Thursday, December 10, 2009
Isaiah 41:16-18
But I, the Lord, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys.
Clint Eastwood, who had shot the guy, yelled down from the rocks, "Give him a drink! We won't shoot you. For Christ's sake!" He was disgusted with the bad guys. But they did bring him a drink. And they saw how badly he'd been shot and knew he was going to die. And they began to cry in fear for their own lives. Eastwood didn't shoot them. At least not then. This scene (and others) in the movie Unforgiven brought me to my knees. Most of the main characters were caught in crossfires of consequence brought on by seemingly minor decisions on their part. There was no justice, or not much, and even less grace. These guys were not in charge of their lives, and neither was anyone else. So ... who was? God says, "I am." We musn't use that name, but he calls himself "I am." And he promises water where it's never been before. There have been times when water wasn't enough. Climbing the Grand Canyon, sweat poured out of me. People gave me water, and I drank it. And it wasn't nearly enough. Marc brought me a Pepsi, and it was the most beautiful Pepsi I've ever seen. Can I wait for God to touch the disaster in my throat? Words of obedience catch in my mouth; I can't get them out. It's OK; the words aren't what bring me life, even my obedience doesn't bring me life. It's God that brings me life. Against all evidence, as I die He brings me life. Against what I see and feel and taste and touch and hear, God brings me life. You made me, Lord, and I work for you. Let me give you thanks for my life, for showing me faithfulness and compassion and strength. You are king forever, through all generations. (Psalm 145) |
As soon as the guy was shot he was also thirsty. "Water!" He was dying and knew it and shouted, "I'm dying! For God's sake bring me a drink of water!"