John 7:37-38
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Jewish historians record that for seven days, when the priest brought forth golden vessels filled with water from the stream flowing under the Temple Mount, those celebrating the feast of Tabernacles responded with jubilation. “So ecstatic,” said Josephus, “was the joy with which this ceremony was performed accompanied by the sound of trumpets, that it was said, ‘Whoever had not witnessed it had never seen rejoicing at all!’” After bringing the water up to the temple, the priest solemnly poured it upon the altar, and the people sang from Isaiah 12:3, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
That scene was uppermost in the minds of worshipers on the eighth day, the great day of the feast, when no water was to be poured out. The water-pouring ceremony symbolized the yet future promise of God’s Spirit being poured out, and here, Jesus declared Himself to be the fulfillment. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Two great truths emerge from Jesus’ announcement: He is the fountainhead of spiritual waters and is generous in His giving. Jesus promises continuous refreshment to anyone who comes to Him and drinks.
Are you spiritually dry? No ceremony or religious ritual can satisfy, only Jesus. Drink deeply of the pure water of His Word, allow His thoughts and desires to renew and refresh your heart, and there will be a joyous outflow of the Holy Spirit to you and through you to a thirsty world.
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
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