“That hits the spot” and such phrases have gone into the English language to express the refreshment that comes from drinking tea. (If you’re not a tea drinker you’ll have to imagine your favourite thirst quenching drink for the purposes of this devotional!). There is also the rest that can accompany your cuppa – maybe a mid-morning break from work, and an opportunity to chat. The emphasis is on what we feel – our body demanding some liquid and a rest, and that need being satisfied along with the pleasure of the taste.
Of course, we are normally only conscious of our desire for a drink, rather than the essential, life sustaining properties. If we kept ignoring these demands, then you can only survive for about a week without water, and it’s a lot less than that in the heat.
It is interesting that Jesus uses a drink as one of the symbols to remember him by at the Last Supper. He also uses the analogy of the thirst quenching drink with the woman at the well, saying that:
“…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life”. John 4:14[NIV]
So, maybe as you have a cup of tea today and are conscious of your need for a drink, use it as a reminder to bring your needs to God. Or maybe after you chat to colleagues or friends, you could talk to God. But remember that just as it is essential for your body to stay hydrated, the really important thing to stay alive spiritually is remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
“Do this as often as you drink it” Jesus said at the Last Supper. Maybe remember his sacrifice for you over a cuppa today.
Jon Seaton
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