September 27th
Come
John 7:37-38
“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. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Just four days ago we considered our hunger. Today, we consider our thirst.
First some background…
Each morning of the Feast the priest would lead throngs from the temple to the pool of Siloam. As he drew water from the well, the crowds would chant Isaiah 12:3 over and over…“WITH JOY YOU WILL DRAW WATER FROM THE WELLS OF SALVATION!”
Back at the Temple the priest would raise the pitcher as the crowd yelled, “HIGHER, HIGHER, HIGHER!” It was considered the height of joy for an Israelite if he could see the water poured on the altar once in his life.
On the 7th day of the Feast, this trip to the pool of Siloam and back to the temple would happen 7 times!! This is the number of completion, fulfillment, wholeness. And it is likely that it was on this day that Jesus cries out above their own shouts…“If anyone comes to me…”
Jesus is the only drink that satisfies, completes, fulfills, and makes whole. But one must “come” to him…and drink. That is, one must believe.
In our “Journey of Generosity” there are four invitations – come, see, give and live. Did you notice a similar progression as Jesus invites all to drink deeply of him?
Thirst…Come…Drink…Flow. From “thirst” to “flow.” Thirstiness is transformed into rivers of refreshment!
Jesus is speaking of the person of the Holy Spirit filling us to overflowing – filling us in order to fill others by the fruit he produces in us. Such is the life of the one who comes, sees, gives…LIVES.
Let’s take this step of faith together…
Be alert today for the moment that the Spirit prompts you to say something, do something that would be a blessing to someone. Dependent upon the Spirit, let the Spirit overflow and be the blessing.
