“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.’” 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)
The words of Jesus speaking of living water promise hope and comfort to all human beings today just as they did 2000 years ago. Billions of people are weary of violence, suffering, and hatred. All are thirsting for truth and peace but seeing them in the things of this world, in government, in philosophy, in science, and in religion. But truth and peace can only come from Jesus and only to those who have faith in Him. Jesus is living water. So just as we all need water to live, we all need that river of living water that Jesus is in order to live a life of peace, joy, meaning, and purpose as members of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus’ image of living water is awesome. It was compelling and attractive to those who heard Jesus first speak of this promise. At that time fresh flowing water was scarce and hard to come by in Israel. Water was precious: it was life itself. An everlasting supply of such water meant an abundant life.
Jesus imparts that living water through the Holy Spirit to all the faithful. The indwelling Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to have abiding fellowship with the Father and the Son. When He comes to dwell in us, all of His nature, attributes, and power come with Him. He enables us to live a holy life, to be set apart from the world, set apart to God for His purposes. He teaches us to resist temptation and to walk in obedience. He enables us to love truly and selflessly so that, as He flows through us, He enables us to bring the message of the gospel to all who are thirsty.