Rivers of Living Water Flow From Within

“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 7:37-39 NKJV

Jesus Christ the Lord invites all people to come unto Him and drink. Jesus Christ invites particularly anyone who thirsts to come unto Him in order to give eternal life. Jesus does not specify what criteria of thirst like academic success, marriage, promotion, healing from disease, friendship, or achievements. Jesus invites anyone who thirsts. If you thirst for anything, then you are eligible for the invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ understands who we are and what we need the most. He also knows and understands that we humans are essentially and fundamentally thirsty at all. Most of all, the Lord Jesus knows what the best gift of all is for us. What is it? It is the Holy Spirit. The blessed promise given to Patriarch Abraham was but the Holy Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:14).

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:10-14 NKJV)

Jesus knew that the people were tired and weary after the great day of the feast. During the feast people were excited and thrilled. However, after all the excitement and uplifted spirit had gone, they felt unfilled, empty, and unoccupied. Right there when the people needed the most, Jesus Christ the Lord stood and cried out, offering the great invitation of all to come unto Him and drink.

The promise of our Lord Jesus Christ is beyond what we expect. Note that the promise is not limited to the problem itself, because it touches incomparably deeper level of humanity, even the cause of thirst. Yes, anyone who comes unto Jesus Christ and drink shall be given a marvelous gift from heaven above. How could that happen? Jesus Christ says that if anyone believes in Him and out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John immediately made a comment that it indicates the Holy Spirit.

Note that the promised Spirit will be given to those who not only come unto Him but believe in Him. Only through faith the promise of God can be fulfilled. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

What does it happen to the person who has received the promised Spirit? Jesus says out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. Do not miss the point which it is not from without but from within. There is nothing that can quench the human thirst from without. No material gain or mental serenity can extinguish the ever mounting and intensifying thirst in you. The world says that there is if you dig in further, but it is a lie.

Eugene Peterson rendered like this, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” Imagine rivers of living water flow from within you and me! Jesus Christ tells us that we will be glowing and shining right where we are, not because we have received some magical power, but because we have been called to be the praise of His glory in our midst.