“Fountain of Life”

Tuesday, February 07, 2017

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.” 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 7:37,38)

Both Joel (Joel 3:18) and Zechariah (Zechariah 14:8), spoke of a day when pure, fresh, living waters would flow out of Jerusalem, provided by Jesus Christ, the Savior. It was customary on the last day of the feast (vs. 2,37), for the priest to draw water from the pool of Siloam and bring it back with joy to the temple. It may have been this custom, that Jesus used as an object lesson to make this joyful promise.

There is a deep thirst in every human soul. The many wells of the world - wealth, wisdom, and pleasure - are powerless to fully quench this human longing.  Jesus boldly claims to be the one who fulfills that need.

There is in man a thirst for righteousness, reconciliation, peace, and hope. Christ alone possesses the ability to answer these human needs. He is the Rock in the wilderness out of which the water of salvation flows. (1 Corinthians 10:4) He invites all to come and to receive it.

Another look at the passage reveals that the promise of Jesus goes beyond the immediate blessing to the believer. Those who receive this life-giving water, also become life-giving fountains. The influence of Christ in their lives transforms them into a refreshing source of moral purity and goodness. Paul tells us that Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)

Finally, the reference to the giving of the Holy Spirit may be connected to the events recorded in Acts 2. After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Accompanying the outpouring of the Spirit was the glorious message of redemption. (Acts 2:21,36-38) Since then, multitudes have come to the Water of life, and have received the assurance that they are the sons of God. 

Jesus offers this spiritual drink freely to those who believe, who come, and who drink. Have you come to this marvelous fountain of life?

By George Slover


 

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