Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in Me drink. As the Scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living Water.’ “ John 7:37-38
When Jesus makes this Scriptural declaration, He is in the midst of many faithful Jewish believers who are Worshiping God at the annual celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. One of the liturgical events during that day is focused around the priest filling the beautiful golden pitcher with water while the believers sing joyful songs of Praise. As the water is poured out on God’s Holy altar, there are those in the crowd that experience spiritual replenishment through the symbolic ritual. Jesus declares to them that He is the source of spiritual replenishment; He is the Living Water.
The ritual is based on the Exodus 17 experience of the Israelites in the wilderness and their situation of extreme thirst. God tells Moses to strike the rock with his staff and water will come out of it so God’s people might drink. In front of the elders, Moses does this and water flows freely from the rock altar. The people drink and drink—then feel contentment. The water is filling, enjoyable, and satisfies the longing to stop thirsting. Jesus says that He is like the water.
When He makes this declaration to us, He is saying that symbols are rich in meaning but they are nothing like the real thing. Like when we have Monopoly money as compared to real money. Or when we listen to a CD of our favorite musician as compared to sitting on the couch listening to them sing beside us in person. Or when we smell rose perfume as compared to the fragrance of the rose itself. If we are thirsty for spiritual life and enjoyment, then we go to Jesus to be quenched and satisfied. Each time we do we’ll also be spiritual outlets for spiritual refreshment to others. Christ overflows.
Worship, Pray and Praise at https://www.AlphaChurch.org
Prayer Requests for:
Darnell, for full recovery from corneal transplant surgery, his eye only sees some light.The jobless, the sick and the weak, pray for healing of the sick.Those in war torn areas who have had to flee from their homes with children and older adults to care for too.God’s direction for the leaders of our Nations.World Peace.God’s blessings on Jesus’ Church in Mongolia.God bless the Good News of Jesus Christ in Venezuela.Jesus’ Church, for the many races of the world, blessings.God’s blessings on our friends and loved ones with Cerebral Palsy.Andre’s inner ear to heal miraculously.For Israel and Ukraine, power and strength to defend their countries and for victories.
Rev. Patricia E. Walker, Minister of Alpha Church https://www.AlphaChurch.orgPO Box 33097, Tulsa, OK 74153 USA Phone 505i-321-2715is supported by your Prayers and Offerings.If we may pray with you, please write to us at joy@nmia.com
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