“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)
Billions of people are weary of violence, suffering, and hatred. As we can tell from the troubles we in the United States have witnessed over the last several years, they are thirsting for truth, justice, acceptance, and peace. Even those who are seeking to change their identity are on the same search as well as many of those who lash out at others with violence and hate. They just don’t know where or how to find it. Most, unfortunately, seek it in the things of this world, in pleasure, philosophy, science, and spirituality of some sort.
Truth, acceptance, and peace come from Jesus by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who came upon the Church at Pentecost. He come and fills all those who have faith in Jesus. And Jesus calls all to partake of this living water of the Spirit. Just as we all need water to live, we all need that living water of Jesus in order to live a life of joy, meaning, and purpose as members of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus’ image of living water is awesome. His words speaking of living water promise hope and comfort to all human beings today just as they did 2000 years ago. They were 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 enables us to resist temptation and to walk in obedience. He empowers us to love truly and selflessly so that, as He flows through us, we can bring the good news of the love and mercy of Christ Jesus to all who are thirsty.