February 8
JOHN 7
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
– John 7:37-39
JOHN 7 INVITATION TO RIVERS OF LIVING WATER
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Jesus gave an invitation to anyone who believes in him
The Son of God promises rivers of flowing water and eternity
The Spirit will dwell in every heart who believes He is God’s Son
Their hearts will be filled with joy, peace and fruit from his Word.
Have you ever been thirsty that all you can think about is to quench this thirst with water? According to healthline.com “With no food and no water, the maximum time the body can survive is thought to be about a week. With water only, but no food, survival time may extend up to 2 to 3 months. We can deduce from this information how important water is to our bodies.
In this invitation, Jesus is referring to the thirst as a spiritual craving for a relationship with God the Father. All humans were created to experience the love of the Father. He made us in His own image because we all belong to him and our purpose is to worship Him and be united with Him. This is why He gave us that thirst which He alone can quench.
Jesus’ invitation here is a fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy on chapter 14:8 which says
On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter. Isaiah prophesied too in chapter 44:3 when he said “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” This invitation is to all mankind from different races, cultures, nations and
Backgrounds. God is impartial and this promise will be fulfilled in all those who believe.
REFLECTION
• How have the rivers of living water been manifested in your life?
