John 7:37-39 (NRSV)
Jesus, the true living water
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Reflection
It's the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the great day. The climax of the feast. The feast had a daily water ritual that was so important on this final day. It was important because of the need for rain during the upcoming year. Water was so important for many things. If you have ever went without water in your house for even a short while you understand the importance of water and how easily it is for us to forget that water is needed to live.
Jesus was saying that if any thirst to come to him and drink. Jesus was a better provider of water than this important water ritual. Reminds me of my catechism again, when God joins a physical element and a spiritual element with a promise. So we join water, with trust and faith in Jesus, with the promise that Jesus will pour his Spirit in abundance from our heart in rivers of living water. A refreshment only available to believers.
Jesus brings back memories of water flowing from the rock to quench the thirst of the wandering Israelites. Even today Jesus, the cornerstone, the rock of the church, now proclaims that he is the source of this living water if only we believe. Jesus is the source of life. And when we drink of Jesus, he pours his Spirit in rivers of living water straight from our hearts into all the world.
Living water pouring into all the world, straight from our heart. Water that points the world back to the truth of Jesus. We are filled with the Spirit to give that water that Jesus has given us, to all the world. What a purpose! What a mission! What a God! Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, I believe! Send your Spirit and fill me with this living water that a river may pour forth from my heart to all you give to me...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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