The Parable of the Drink Machine

This is the Parable of the Drink Machine, for Church leaders.

A certain man, being thirsty, searched for a drink machine he saw advertised. When he found it, he saw many lights, colorful signs pointing to it, and various pamphlets laying on a table next to it. The ads and papers told of its healthy properties, and many testimonies of people in the past that have experienced its wonderful refreshing taste.

But as he stood reading the material, a few people walked up to use the machine. Some seemed like him, looking for the water that would quench his thirst. Others chatted about the drink that this machine used to give in the past. But as each used this machine, nothing came out, and they left disappointed. Some mentioned, "Maybe next time".

The man thought for a minute, but his incredible thirst drove him to try it. He inserted the recommended coins, and he heard a recorded message telling him again of his need for this drink, but nothing came out. He studied the paperwork, thinking that maybe he did something wrong, and tried several times. After a while, being frustrated, he gave up and went home, disappointed, disillusioned, but worst of all, still thirsty.

Many churches are like this. They have past testimony, many messages, lights and colorful advertising, and messages that constantly tell of their need for the Kingdom. But inherent in each human is the need for the Kingdom, and a relationship with their King. People go to these places in the hope that the testimonies are true, that there is a place they can go to experience Him, and that He will tell them who they are, and why they are here.

Many of these places tell of an afterlife, a wonderful future of living with their King, in the "sweet by-and-by", but their spirits long for it here and now.

The good news is that there are places that allow people to experience what their heart longs for, and what they are "thirsty" for! It is also possible that more places can be a "Kingdom Connection Centers", places that connect people to their King, His Kingdom, and their purpose here!

My request, my plea is for human beings all over the earth. Be honest, if your "machine" isn't delivering anything but empty promises, please please please seek the King and His Kingdom first for yourself, then for the people! Offer them something real, not just testimonies, but the real thing! If you don't know how, then visit a real Kingdom Connection Center that does this! People are thirsty and waiting! Do it now!