Words from the Rock
Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, “Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.”
John 7:37–38 NLT
Jesus makes this declaration loudly, in the presence of the crowds of people who’ve come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Booths (a harvest celebration). His words capture the people’s attention because he’s quoting from one of the prophets who had predicted the coming of the Messiah. Suddenly some of the people seem to get it. They become excited, thinking Jesus is the real deal—he’s the Messiah! Oh, how they have longed for the Messiah. They have thirsted for him like people lost in the desert. And they assume that Jesus will be the one to deliver them from their oppressors (primarily the Roman government occupying their country). They’re ecstatic.
Others are wary. It’s not that they wouldn’t welcome the Messiah—and maybe they’re a little bit thirsty. But among themselves they question Jesus’s bold claim. They say doubtful things like, “How can Jesus be the Messiah if he’s from Galilee?” and “Wasn’t the Messiah supposed to be from the line of David?” and “The Messiah should have been born in Bethlehem, just like King David.” Soon the people are arguing. Too bad they hadn’t done their homework, or they would have known that Jesus was a descendant of King David and had been born in Bethlehem. Instead they rely on their own opinions and misinformation.
As the arguments grow louder, the religious leaders grow more agitated and concerned. They have absolutely no thirst for the truth or for Jesus. The only thing on their minds is, How can we shut Jesus up for good? They want him to be arrested and locked up, but it’s not time for that yet. Although each day brings Jesus closer to his date with the cross, there’s still work to be done. He knows that people are thirsty and growing thirstier each day, and he wants to give as much living water as possible in the time he has left for his ministry.
In the same way, he wants you to thirst for him. He wants you to know that only his love and truth can really quench your parched soul.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Sometimes there’s a yearning deep inside me, but I don’t realize it’s a thirst for you. Remind me that you are the Living Water and when I come to you, I will be filled up.
Amen.
Final Word
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.”
Revelation 21:3 NLT
Stone for the Journey
Only Jesus can quench my thirsting soul.