Let Rivers Flow

Apart from quarantine, should Christians live aloof, isolated lives? How then would we love others? How would we be the light of the world? Jesus taught us that out of our hearts will flow rivers of living waters. Let’s examine John 7:37-39.

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.” (John 7:37 NKJV)

The benefits of water far outweigh other drinks. The benefits of true religion far outweigh counterfeits. According to WebMD [1], water keeps us slimmer, boosts energy and lowers stress due to dehydration, builds muscle tone and prevents cramps, reduces wrinkles from inside, aids regularity and reduces kidney stones. Water truly satisfies.

[1] http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-water-health

In a parched land, thirst is well-known. God promised Israel living water (Proverbs 18:4; Isaiah 58:11), living water for a thirsty land (Isaiah 44:3), water without price (Isaiah 55:1). Water is a powerful symbol of life. As water truly satisfies physically, belief in Jesus satisfies spiritually.

On the last day of the Festival of Tabernacles. Jesus announced, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” The Feast (Leviticus 23:33-36) commemorated the Exodus with leafy booths. The High Priest went from the Temple to the Pool of Siloam [2] and filled a container with water.

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_of_Siloam

The priest then re-entered the Temple through the Water Gate. With a wine offering, he poured the water from the Pool of Siloam onto the base of the altar. The water symbolized the Holy Spirit poured out upon people as it flowed down the Temple steps into the outer courts.

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38 NKJV)

A rule of desert survival is not to drink stagnant water, but to look for a source of running water, otherwise called “living water.” To drink from the living water that Jesus gives, requires living faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit flows from God to us and we are satisfied.

Christianity is not a selfish religion practiced in isolation from others. Detachment disobeys many of Jesus’ commands, like being a light, loving our neighbor and serving those in need. What we have received from God should flow out of us like living water, rather than staying still and becoming stagnant.

“Rivers of living water” is an Old Testament saying. Psalm 1 teaches us that those who delight in God’s law are like trees planted by rivers of water. Ezekiel 47:1-12 describes water flowing from the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem and making the desert to the south productive.

The Apostles often reinterpreted Old Testament history allegorically. Allegory helps us understand the Holy Spirit flowing from heavenly Jerusalem into and out of Christians as a blessing to our neighbors. Does the Holy Spirit flow from us to others? Do we love our neighbors and thereby quench their spiritual thirst?

But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:39 NKJV)

Modern Israel has fulfilled such prophesies physically, making the deserts bloom with agriculture. Jesus used these same prophesies and “spoke concerning the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit flows like rivers of living water from within. The Holy Spirit gives many gifts to believers, and first in 1 Corinthians 12 is wisdom.

Proverbs 18:4 speaks of the mouth being deep waters, which shares a very important spiritual gift, “The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.” It is in wisdom that the Gospel must be preached, and in wisdom that we gently lead our non-Christian neighbors to salvation in the Lord.

Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to drink. He comes into our hearts like rivers of living water, and must flow out. We can’t allow the river to stagnate. It must flow out. God gave us a gift that must flow like streams in a spiritual desert, and bring life to others. Whose thirst do you need to quench today?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Acts 2:1-21 What kind of languages can people understand? Are tongues of fire visible today? What power was given?

Psalm 104:24-35 Who do we really have to thank for life itself?

1 Corinthians 12:3-13 What gift is top of the list? Why is this gift neglected while more showy gifts are pursued?

John 7:37-39 in Rhyme

On the last great day of the Feast

The day that Tabernacles ceased

“If someone’s thirsty,” Jesus cried

“Just come to me and I’ll provide

Believe in Me, say the Scriptures

Out of your heart will be rivers

Rivers of living water flow

The Holy Spirit will bestow

Those who believe He will provide

After Jesus is glorified