Most people find it peaceful to look out over a large body of water. Even a small lake or a narrow river does something special for us. Because of this, waterfront property is pricey, and limited “front row” lots keep it out of reach for most of us.

I live a short walk from the gorgeous vista of massive Lake Michigan but can’t see the water from my house. Homeowners fortunate enough to overlook the lake pay a steep financial premium for it.

There’s another way we all appreciate water, and it has to do with our thirst.

I remember a few years back reading the story of a soldier shot down in enemy territory who buried himself to escape capture. A week later, as he was scooped up in a dare-devil helicopter rescue, all he could say was, “Water! I need water!” The soldiers who’d rescued him laughed at his gulping and spilling, marveling at the amount he drank before finally calming down.

Water is precious to us. It’s also priceless, especially if seen through the lens of Scripture.

Water is used as a symbol for several things in the Bible, the most important of which is salvation. Jesus describes himself as the living water, life-giving for those who believe in him. But water in Scripture is also symbolic for other things: cleansing, purification, healing, nourishment, and baptism.

It’s interesting that in all these water-references, God is the one in charge, whether it’s setting water’s boundaries, withholding or sending rain, using water in judgment, or quenching spiritual thirst. He was in charge at the time of creation (as the Spirit moved over the face of the waters) and will be the architect of heavenly waters (creating a river flowing from the throne of God).

We all need water, both the literal kind and the symbolic kind, which translates to needing him. But of course sometimes we end up sampling other “drinks” before we finally realize there’s only one that will thoroughly (and permanently) satisfy our thirst.

Water will always fascinate us: a bubbling aquarium, a fountain, a summer rainstorm, a swimming pool, a cold drink. Scripture describes a heavenly sea like crystal that God intends to make for us one day. I’ve tried to envision such a wonder and am hoping I’ll get to spend time looking at it in the hereafter. But the one important water-fact that had to occur before I would be allowed to see it, was my drinking from the fountain of life, receiving the living water of Christ.

Since I’ve done that, I eagerly look forward to seeing (and maybe swimming in?) the crystal sea. And knowing how grand paradise will be, there will probably even be accommodations for each person who wants a dwelling with a waterfront view.

….no financial premium required.

“To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6)