05/21/2021
Living water flows from Jesus Christ, and we accept this readily, but we don’t consider often enough that this same living water flows from us. We hear that we should believe in Jesus, and that He is the living Son of God, but we don’t dwell so much on how the power of Christ abides in us. Scripture tells us that Christ abides in us, and we in Him, and as the truth of this becomes apparent to us, the further truth of His power residing in us becomes apparent as well.
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’””
John 7:38 ESV
This isn’t the first time that Jesus spoke to us of the living water within Him; He spoke first to the Woman at the well about the living water He could provide her, and the power it contained. We listen to His words in awe as we wonder at the power He has, and the goodness he exhibits towards this woman from Samaria. We easily believe that the Son of God would have such power, and that He could give this water of eternal life, but knowing how unworthy we are, it is hard to see ourselves in this capacity, and with this ability.
“Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.””
John 4:13-14 ESV
Yet, as believers, we do have this power, and have received it from God just as Jesus did... through the Holy Spirit. So in order for us to have living water flowing from our hearts, we must have two things; faith in Jesus, and that he abides in us, and the Holy Spirit residing in our heart. In this way God gives us the same power He gave Jesus by first giving us His Spirit.
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
We have spoken much about living water, but what are we referring to when we say living water in this context? We are speaking of flowing water; ever moving, and carrying within it the essence of life; eternal life. We are referring to the Holy Spirit which Jesus breathed out upon us... a living, and ever active force of love, and life, that is a gift from God, and which only come to us through Jesus.
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38 ESV
Let’s quiet ourselves for a moment, close our eyes, and think back to the moment we first professed our faith in Jesus. Now let’s step back a bit further and remember who it was that told us about Him, and introduced us to His gospel. It might have been one person or many, but from them flowed the living water we are discussing today, and it flowed into us as we received the eternal life contained in it. Through the Holy Spirit Jesus gave this water to the woman at the well, through Jesus, and this same Spirit, those believers in our past gave it to us, and now we as believers ourselves are meant to let it flow from us into others. In Christ, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to heal, forgive, and yes... to save souls. Our testimony of faith is powerful indeed!
“Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
1 John 5:10-12 ESV
So God abides in Jesus, and He in Him. In this same way Jesus abides in us, and we in Him. Thus it is that God’s Holy Spirit has come to reside in us, and flows from us as the living water of which Jesus spoke, and that we are meant to share with all nations, and others. We are meant to deliver the gospel, and our testimony, to all those so that they might believe. Our faiths, and our lives of faith carry within them God’s Holy Spirit, and all the power contained there flows forth from us to glorify Him.
Prayer,
Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit within us that is the well spring of eternal life, and which flows from you into Jesus, and now through Him into us... throughout the generations. Thank you Lord for the guidance of your Spirit that keeps us focused on you, and within your will, so that as our prayers are offered the power of your promises will be realized. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who works your will through us by way of Jesus, and your Spirit. Praised be your name for allowing us to share in the dissemination of your power as the Holy Spirit flows from our hearts carrying the power of both Spirit, and truth. You are merciful Holy Father, and your grace abounds in the world to glorify you. Hear our prayers of contrition Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive others, and keep our desires as we pray aligned with your will. In this way you will hear, and do all that we ask... not because it is required of you, but because your Word is truth, and your love leads you to give us every good thing. Wash us always in the blood of your Son Jesus that we will be acceptable and perfect before you, and in this way welcome us into eternal communion with you... this the gift that living water gives us as it quenches our thirst.
“He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””
Acts 1:7-8 ESV
Rich Forbes