Living WaterSample

The mechanizing of boreholes has eased the lives of many children like Mainza Sichaya, 13, who once trekked everyday to fetch water from the stream. ©2014 World Vision, photo by Collins Kaumba

Water is necessary

Jesus’ ministry inaugurated through baptism – John 1

Life began with water. Before the first day of creation, water covered the earth—and God’s Spirit covered the water (Genesis 1:2).

Life depends on water—which is just another way of saying that life depends on God, since it is God who gives water. When the Israelites wandered a barren wilderness, God led them from one source of water to the next (Exodus 15:22-27). When there was none to be found, he brought water from the sunbaked rock (Exodus 17:1-7).

It’s no surprise water features prominently in the Bible. The story takes place in part of the world where access to water cannot be taken for granted—as is the case in many parts of the world today, such as southern Zambia.

Even a relatively short period without water exposes the extent of our fragility. Without water, flesh and blood turn to dust.

Jesus submitted himself to baptism by John, in part to identify with the frail humanity he came to save. His ministry was inaugurated in the waters of baptism that prefigures his coming death and resurrection for our salvation. There is a deep connection between the waters of baptism and Jesus’ ministry to us. Just as there is a deep connection between us and the living water he supplies.

God is the Giver and Sustainer of all things. He is our true Source of refreshment and salvation. He brings streams in the desert.

God sent Jesus to unleash streams of living water within us, just as he unleashed water from the rocks in the desert. He wants people to experience fullness of life—in this world and the next.

We are dust, and to dust we will return. But we can be renewed when we drink—and share—God’s living water.

During this seven-part series from World Vision, you’ll read stories of people from southern Zambia.

Half of those living in rural Zambia—4.2 million people—don’t have access to safe drinking water. Only one in three can access basic sanitation facilities.* As you’ll see in these stories along with reflections from John’s Gospel, the availability (or lack) of clean water can mean the difference between life and death.

*Source: UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2014.