'Elemental' Gospel: Water

Water

Of the common elements, I think Water gets taken for granted the most, especially in developed countries. About 70% of the planet is covered by it, and about 70% of our bodies are composed of it. One can survive without food for a couple of months, but can only survive for about a week without water. Water is what keeps our muscles, ligaments, and organs operating. While we are in a sense slaves to water, mankind was also commanded to subdue it.

The first Biblical record of someone showing some mastery over water is in the account of Noah. He was an inventor in his day and a boat....not just any boat, but he build the vessel which would save life on planet earth as we know it. Mankind had become so corrupted that God expressed sorrow that He even created mankind. So he decided to wipe out humanity with the exception of a man and his family. Noah was righteous in the sight of God, so God instructed Noah to build an ark through which He was able to start over.

When I think of water in general now, I think of sustenance and recreation. I need water to survive, and I appreciate the beauty of water as well. Streams, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, oceans, fountains, water-parks, water-fights all bring me joy, and remind me how we have subdued water. Mankind has made boats, submarines, hydroplants, dams, water-parks, and enormous fountains. Mankind uses water to mold huge pieces of metal, cool nuclear generators, and move tons of materials around the globe.

But mankind still has to fight water. Storms still cause boats to sink. People still drown or are afraid of water. Countries are still devastated by floods. We flee our homes when we hear of a hurricane or of flash floods. There's a YouTube video of a four-lane road being swept away by a raging river in a matter of minutes. While we may have subdued water for the most part, we certainly have not conquered it.

Jesus Christ however demonstrated His mastery over water a number of times in the few short years he spent on this earth. He transmogrified water into wine. He walked on water. While His disciples feared for their lives due to a storm, he slept soundly, and upon waking, He calmed that raging sea with just three words, "Peace, be still." Jesus not only conquered Water, He refers to Himself as the Living Water bringing life to everyone who believes.