On the Hot Plains of Sin

I love nature documentaries. It is beautiful to see God’s creation, but at times, the documentaries can be heart-wrenching to watch. I will never forget watching a documentary that showed a herd of elephants migrating across the Namib Desert during the dry season.

It was bone dry, the sun beat mercilessly on their broad backs, and with each step, dust kicked high into the air. Thorn bushes were the only food on the hot plains, and sand dunes reflected the intense heat. After some days, the herd was thirsty and weakened, especially one little calf who lagged behind as his mother encouraged him forward.

Finally, the herd could smell the scent of water a few kilometers away.

Knowing they were near their destination, they now walked with rejuvenated strength. But it was too late for the little calf. The mother ran to the river, filled her trunk with water, and ran back to the baby. But it was too late. I am not ashamed to say I shed a few tears as I watched the herd surround the little calf, mourning their loss.

As Christians, we need the living water Jesus offers.

Without it, we will be overwhelmed and destroyed on the hot, dry plains of sin and iniquity. The psalmist echoes our heart cry, As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42:1, 2, NIV).

Jesus is the Living Water. Without Him, we will die.

When we find ourselves separated from Him by the cares of this world or the disappointments or excesses of life, we can turn to Him without delay.

Apart from Him, the hot sun of sin will sap us of our spiritual strength, and we will be defeated on the sunbaked plains of life.

Fortunately, this does not have to be our experience.

He promises refreshing, life-giving water to all who come to Him.

Only in His presence are we safe.

Shylet Chabata Dzvene