…rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38
This Bible verse contains a wonderful promise from Jesus for whoever believes in Him to have rivers of living water flow from within them. But what does that mean?
Before I became a Christian at age 27 I tried many things to fill the void in my life. I pursued peace and contentment in all the wrong ways. I always came away feeling dissatisfied. It was like I was drinking up everything the world had to offer but my thirst remained unquenched. I was parched and I didn’t know what to do.
But, as I look back I am thankful that the things I believed would help left me feeling empty. I am so glad that the Lord didn’t allow me to be satisfied with anything less than what He wanted to give me. I am so glad that He gave me living water.
Many people are discontent and thirsty for more in life, though they may not realize just what will satisfy them.
Some look for contentment in relationships, careers, money, prestige, fame, marriage or children. These are not wrong, but whoever believes that these will fully satisfy them will ultimately remain thirsty. This is evident because usually when one life goal is attained, the quest for something more continues.
But, Jesus offers something refreshingly different and unique because in these verses He is saying that whoever believes in Him will receive living water.
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39 NIV)
Jesus is qualified to make this offer because He alone lived a sinless life. Therefore, His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection prove that God accepted His payment for our sins.
In fact, Jesus told His disciples, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. (John 16:7 NASB)
Faith in Jesus quenches our thirst because whoever believes and receives Him as their personal Lord and Savior is given the Holy Spirit who indwells believers and seals them for the day of redemption.
John 4:10 says, Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (NIV)John 4:13-14 says, “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” (NIV)Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (NIV)
The Holy Spirit ministers to believers and is also known as the Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, and Intercessor.
Jesus promised to give Living Water which is the Holy Spirit to whoever believes and receives Him. Jesus is the source of life and every blessing for those who thirst; and are in need of peace and rest.
I am reminded of this quote by Augustine,
You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you. – Augustine of Hippo (354–430), in his book Confessions.
Augustine of Hippo penned this quote after he received Christ and His restless heart found rest in the Savior.
Are your thirsty for living water?
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