Thirsty?

John 7:37: “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

The feast that was being referred to was the feast of Tabernacles. The priest going to the pool of Siloam, and drawing water with a golden vase celebrated this feast. Then the priest would pour out this water as an offering unto God. As the water was poured out all who were present would shout and celebrate, and this would go on for each day of the feast. This was the background setting to which Jesus stands and shouts, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” Jesus was offering the water of life which comes only from Him. Crying out to a parched and dry people, in need of refreshment, Jesus offers this wonderful gift of God.

Jesus was offering this gift of living water, which brings life and energy, quickening and quenching. This is the Holy Spirit that comes and abides in those who accept this awesome gift of living water that will quench one’s spiritual thirst. The seventh day was significant during this festival. On the seventh day, called "Hoshana Rabbah", which means "The Great Salvation," the priests would march around the altar seven times reciting the famous Psalm 118:25, “O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.” Jesus was so compelled that on this day He cried out! Why on this day? This was the day that the priest cried out to God to send salvation; to send “yasha”. This is part of Jesus’ name in Hebrew, which means, Jehovah Saves. They were crying out to God, and God was crying out to them.

Jesus is the living water and the only thirst quencher that is eternal. The feast of tabernacles comes after Israel’s dry spell of summer. These people knew the significance of being in a dry place. If only we can come to the realization that we too are in a dry place, how much more will that living water be welcomed.


Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 6-7 New Testament John 8:21-26